Chapter 106: So Many?
In the days that followed, with major mainstream media outlets intensifying their coverage, more and more people began to pay close attention to the situation unfolding in the Middle East.
[The Pahlavi dynasty faces an unprecedented nationwide general strike. The machinery of the state has nearly ground to a halt, and social life is in chaos.]
[Millions of anti-monarchy protesters — estimated between six to nine million — have launched massive waves of demonstrations across the nation. According to authoritative analysts: "Even if we discount some exaggeration, this scale is historically unprecedented, reflecting the people's surging discontent."]
[As a result of the massive strike, the Pahlavi dynasty has been forced to suspend all crude oil exports, with no clear timeline for resumption. Analysts widely warn that if Iran's oil exports remain disrupted, a new global oil crisis could erupt, deeply impacting the global economy.]
[Experts estimate that Iran's halted exports will cause a global shortfall of about 10% of total oil consumption — a staggering figure signaling a looming global energy crisis.]
[The "Islamic Revolution" erupting inside Iran is further tightening oil supply. Global oil markets are plunged into unprecedented turmoil, and nations scramble to seek alternative energy sources or bolster energy reserves.]
[The Rockefeller Foundation in the U.S. warns in a newly released report: "The world is about to enter a prolonged era of oil shortages." This prediction has sparked a chain reaction across financial markets, with investor expectations for soaring oil prices surging dramatically.]
[Oil prices have already climbed to $15 per barrel amid these shocks. Analysts predict that if Iran's turmoil continues, crude oil prices may skyrocket further, bringing tremendous uncertainty to the global economy.]
[Major oil companies begin hoarding crude oil to guard against the looming crisis, leading to an even greater rush on oil supplies from exporting countries.]
Five years ago, the previous oil crisis had left vivid scars in global memory — triggering unprecedented panic and fear.
Now, the early warning signs not only plunged the industrial and financial sectors into anxiety, but even everyday families were caught in the mounting tension,
all heralding a storm that could overturn the global economic landscape.
Lin Haoran monitored the Iranian situation daily, paying attention to every tiny development.
Every prediction he made was proving astonishingly accurate.
The collapse of the Pahlavi dynasty was steadily unfolding, laying bare the beginnings of a global energy crisis whose ripple effects could reshape the entire energy map.
The anxiety quickly crossed oceans, reaching the bustling streets of Hong Kong.
Ordinary people whispered worriedly about the future.
Economic uncertainty loomed heavily overhead.
Although oil prices had not yet swung wildly,
the mounting undercurrents were impossible to ignore.
Each day's slight uptick in oil prices felt like a ticking bomb —
ready to detonate the fragile nerves of the global economy.
Especially with American financiers subtly fanning the flames,
this trend was becoming even more pronounced.
Every small rise in oil prices was pulling at the sensitive strings of the financial markets —
the long-anticipated oil surge was becoming a near-inevitable reality.
Three days ago, Lin Haoran made a decisive move:
He ordered his Huanyu Investment team to halt all further purchases of Qingzhou Cement shares.
At first glance, this seemed like a cautious step.
But in reality, it was deeply strategic.
He knew that this oil crisis wouldn't directly cause a collapse in the global stock markets —
nor would it devastate Hong Kong's stock market.
Still, he understood that initial panic could spark market turbulence.
Just like in 1973, when the first oil crisis triggered a prolonged global bear market.
Following Huanyu's decision to halt purchases, the effects were immediate.
Qingzhou Cement's trading volume plummeted.
On some days, barely 1,000 lots were traded.
Trading activity collapsed into near silence.
This wasn't an isolated phenomenon —
it was a reflection of Hong Kong's entire stock market slowing down.
Stocks across the board faced heavy selling pressure.
Volumes shrank.
Tension filled the market atmosphere.
Qingzhou Cement's stock price naturally couldn't escape this wave.
Sell orders were everywhere; buy orders almost nonexistent.
The imbalance sent the price sliding from HK$4.10,
to HK$3.90,
HK$3.80...
and eventually stabilizing around HK$3.50 per share.
The company's market capitalization shrank dramatically —
falling from HK$300 million at its peak
to barely HK$170 million at its lowest point.
Market confidence had been severely shattered.
At Wanan Group's Chairman's office,
Lin Haoran sat beside his father, Lin Wanan.
Lin Wanan, holding a copy of The Wall Street Journal's Asia Edition,
frowned as he read the headline news intently.
[On December 10–11, over 10% of Iran's total population participated in anti-monarchy demonstrations.]
A staggering, almost unbelievable figure.
Revolutions like the French Revolution of 1789, the Russian October Revolution of 1917, or Romania's 1989 Revolution —
barely surpassed 1% of total national populations.
But here, over 10% had risen up —
confirmed by all major international media.
"Haoran, your prediction was spot on.
The oil crisis is coming!" Lin Wanan sighed heavily, setting down the paper.
Three months ago, after returning from Yuen Long's countryside,
Lin Haoran had already warned his father to prepare for a possible oil crisis.
Though in truth, there wasn't much Hong Kong could prepare.
For now, the local economy wouldn't suffer severe damage.
"I've been following the situation closely since the start of the year.
This revolution has dragged on too long —
clearly not an accident.
I predict the Pahlavi dynasty will fall within a month.
Afterward, even if a new government forms,
it'll take months to stabilize.
During that time, the oil markets will be chaotic,
and the impacts will be massive," Lin Haoran calmly analyzed.
"Haoran, tomorrow I'll take you to meet someone important."
Suddenly, Lin Wanan's tone shifted, a glimmer of mystery in his eyes.
These days, Lin Wanan was more pleased with Haoran than ever.
Not only did Haoran show keen business instincts,
he could also foresee macro trends far better than most veterans.
Thinking of this, Lin Wanan felt confident —
he could almost already see Wanan Group soaring under Haoran's leadership.
"Dad, who are we going to meet?" Lin Haoran's curiosity was piqued.
"Haha, be patient.
You'll find out tomorrow," Lin Wanan chuckled, deliberately keeping it secret.
Lin Haoran smiled faintly.
While curious, he didn't press further.
After all, he had already met many of Hong Kong's top tycoons —
from British business leaders like Shen Bi
to Chinese magnates like Bao Yugang and Li Jiacheng.
Who else could surprise him now?
Just then, a crisp knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Lin Haoran called.
In walked Su Zhixue —
Huanyu Investment's current manager.
He glanced at Lin Wanan briefly, then approached.
"Chairman Lin, Mr. Lin,
I..." he hesitated briefly.
"Just speak directly," Lin Haoran said straightforwardly.
There was nothing about Qingzhou Cement's stock operations that needed hiding from Lin Wanan.
Su Zhixue nodded, pulling out a carefully prepared document from his briefcase.
He handed it to Lin Haoran:
"Mr. Lin, according to your instructions,
our team has been closely monitoring Qingzhou Cement's market activity.
This morning, I personally visited the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
and collected the latest listing data.
Here — I've highlighted the key numbers."
"Between HK$3.40 to HK$4.00 per share,
there are 697.3 million shares listed for sale!" Lin Haoran's eyes widened as he read aloud, astonished.
So many?
He quickly did the math in his head.
Currently, he personally held 40.1% of Qingzhou Cement.
Adding the 12.6% his father transferred to him,
plus another ~2% his team had bought recently,
his control had reached 54.7%.
The other eight directors collectively held about 24.1%.
Thus, 78.8% of the company's shares were locked in tightly.
Meaning —
the free-floating shares in the market were only around 21.2%.
Yet now, suddenly, there were sales orders totaling 697.3 million shares —
equivalent to nearly 14% of the company!
No wonder Lin Haoran was so shocked.
But from another perspective,
this was a tremendous opportunity.
If he seized these shares at low prices now,
he could secure an even tighter grip on Qingzhou Cement —
and at minimal cost.
After all, Lin Haoran knew:
this oil crisis wouldn't actually crash Hong Kong's stock market long-term.
Soon, trading activity would revive.
At that time, he might not find such cheap stock available again.
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