NBA: The Dynasty Crusher (Basketball)

That evening, Brother Ji personally visited the Guo family estate. He brought his wife and children to pay respects and offer a long-overdue apology.

"Sister-in-law, I've come today to apologize," he said sincerely upon seeing Mrs. Guo.

"Brother Ji, don't say that. Please, come in," she replied warmly.

The families exchanged pleasantries as they sat down. Though the conversation was cordial, a quiet weight hung in the air—one of loss, transition, and survival.

---

"Brother Ji, I hope the damage on your end wasn't too severe?" Mrs. Guo asked with genuine concern.

"Fortunately, it was contained. We only lost around 10 billion," Brother Ji replied with a strained smile.

"That's far better than us. We lost 50 to 60 billion," Mrs. Guo said, laughing softly. "I suppose the Guo family served as the beacon this time. Please take care of us from now on."

"Absolutely, absolutely," Brother Ji nodded.

They didn't mention their core real estate companies. There was no point. Bringing it up would only rub salt in wounds.

After some small talk, Brother Ji leaned in.

"Sister-in-law, how did your inspection in the mainland go?"

"We focused on cities close to Hong Kong—Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Zhuhai," Mrs. Guo replied seriously. "The projects we're looking into are all in industrial sectors."

"What about real estate?" Brother Ji asked. "The mainland has a huge population…"

Mrs. Guo shook her head firmly. "Real estate isn't viable for us. First, our influence in the mainland is nowhere near what we had in Hong Kong. Real estate relies heavily on bank credit, and the Guo family no longer has that leverage over there."

She paused, then added, "And second—Mrs. Lindsay's target was our real estate businesses. If we enter that field in the mainland, we might trigger her again…"

Brother Ji nodded gravely. "That's what puzzles me. Mrs. Lindsay controls so much capital. With her connections in the mainland, she could easily dominate any first-tier city's real estate market. Why target us?"

Mrs. Guo gave a bitter smile. "It's a question I've never dared to ask."

Brother Ji leaned back, then suddenly said, "Tianlong Investment Bank raised $500 billion in one go. That kind of money is entering mainland industries. I think we should follow their lead—wherever they invest, we follow, and build upstream or downstream along the chain. What do you think?"

Mrs. Guo's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. With Old Guo gone, no one's really steering the ship anymore. Brother Ji, I'll be relying on your guidance."

"I'm getting old too," he said with a chuckle. "Let's take care of each other."

Then Mrs. Guo added quietly, "I don't think the other two families can hold on much longer. Sooner or later, they'll end up like us—unless they're ready to fight to the death."

Brother Ji paused for a moment, then said, "There's a key difference. Mrs. Lindsay is fighting with other people's money. Cheng and Tong are burning their own. If they go all-in… both sides will suffer."

Mrs. Guo nodded in agreement. "I'm planning to visit Beijing in a few days."

"Oh?" Brother Ji raised an eyebrow.

"I want to visit the Zhao family."

"You mean… Mrs. Lindsay's husband? Zhao Dong?" Brother Ji was stunned. "But he's just a sports star, isn't he? He's never involved in Storm or Tianlong. Isn't his identity simple?"

Mrs. Guo smiled meaningfully. "The Zhao family has roots. And no matter how 'simple' Zhao Dong may seem, Mrs. Lindsay clearly believes in the mainland's future. There's no way the Zhao family hasn't influenced that."

"You have a point," Brother Ji admitted. "Let me know when you're going. I'll join you."

March 24 – Saturday.

The typhoon had passed. But in the markets, the storm only intensified.

Storm Fund resumed its onslaught—targeting Cheung Kong, New World, and Hutchison with relentless precision. At 2:40 PM, just before market close, they simultaneously issued tender offers for all three.

The news detonated across Hong Kong.

Three tender offers at once?

Were the four major real estate giants—those that even survived the Asian Financial Crisis—finally going to fall?

The headlines blazed with Lindsay's name and face. She had become the most talked-about figure in the city—both feared and idolized.

By nightfall, Cheng and Tong were running on fumes.

Tong Ge cracked first. He arrived at Tianlong Investment Bank's Hong Kong branch and humbly requested a meeting with Lindsay.

Of the four giants, Brother Tong had the least desire for power. Years ago, he had retired and handed everything to his son. But when his son failed and New World Real Estate nearly collapsed, he was forced to return, slash projects, sell assets, and salvage what was left.

Now, on March 24, under Lindsay's terms, the Zheng family began transferring equity.

Lindsay didn't take everything—only the New World Real Estate stake. She returned the rest.

Brother Tong was grateful. Without the real estate division, the Zheng family could now refocus on their crown jewel—Chow Tai Fook Jewelry. Compared to the Guo and Ji families, they came out stronger and more intact. The transfer was smooth.

---

March 25 – 8:30 AM

Ownership of New World Real Estate officially changed hands. The announcement sent shockwaves through Hong Kong.

Brother Cheng nearly collapsed.

Now, Lindsay and Zhao Dong controlled three out of four major real estate giants. That meant three-quarters of Hong Kong's reserve land was in their hands.

In reality, the local real estate market had been conquered.

That same morning, Chief Executive Mr. Dong invited Lindsay for a closed-door meeting.

They spoke for three hours, followed by a lunch session that continued into the afternoon.

Lindsay expressed full willingness to cooperate with Mr. Dong's Housing Plan, but also pointed out the flaws in the proposed "85,000-unit" goal.

After seeing her overwhelming strength firsthand, Mr. Dong couldn't ignore her words.

He promised to re-evaluate and revise the plan.

As the dust settled in Hong Kong, Lindsay took it a step further.

She presented a comprehensive development plan for Northern Hong Kong, proposing—for the first time—the concept of direct integration with Shenzhen. Chief Executive Mr. Dong promised to seriously study the plan.

The discussion quickly reached Beijing.

President Zhu summoned Zhao Dong and his father once again—this time, to praise them.

"Ma'am, Mr. Li is currently waiting at Tianlong. He wishes to meet with you," Meilin reported quietly at 3 p.m., while Lindsay was still in conversation with Mr. Dong.

Lindsay didn't even flinch. She knew it was only a matter of time. With the amount of equity and capital she held, Li Cheng had no choice. His alternative was bankruptcy and foreclosure.

March 26th

Cheung Kong Holdings officially announced a change in ownership.

Since Cheung Kong owned 42% of Hutchison Holdings, Lindsay structured the deal with deliberate precision. She didn't want to crush Li Cheng—just remove him from real estate.

She instructed him to strip Hutchison's real estate holdings, fold them into Cheung Kong, then transfer Cheung Kong's Hutchison shares back to Hutchison.

Hutchison was a much larger industrial conglomerate. To complete the buyback, Li Cheng had to sell assets and liquidate cash—tens of billions worth.

The result?

The Li family exited the real estate industry. Like the Zheng family, they didn't need to change industries. Hutchison had its own industrial core. If they focused, they'd still thrive.

But Hong Kong's real estate crown now belonged to Lindsay and Zhao Dong.

March 27th

Lindsay, under her own name, invested HK$1.2 billion to purchase a 38-story Central office tower previously owned by Cheung Kong. She renamed it Dongwei Building.

Soon, Zhao's Real Estate Group and the Tianlong Investment Bank Hong Kong Branch would move in.

March 28th

Lindsay officially registered Zhao's Real Estate Group Co., Ltd. in Hong Kong.

With this move, Zhao Dong controlled four listed real estate firms, with a combined valuation of HK$600 billion.

On the same day, stock prices of the four real estate companies surged—rising by an average of 30%. In just one trading day, Zhao's Real Estate's market cap reached nearly HK$800 billion.

Together, Lindsay and Zhao Dong personally owned 51% of the firm—worth nearly HK$400 billion, or US$50 billion.

Lindsay became Hong Kong's richest individual, with a net worth of nearly US$30 billion.

Zhao Dong soared into the top 10, valued at nearly US$20 billion.

That night, a luxurious party was held at Dongwei Building.

Lindsay personally hosted, inviting Hong Kong's top business figures—including Mr. Dong, Mr. Huo, and representatives from all four major real estate families.

But this wasn't just a corporate mixer. It was a celebration of dominance.

Even Hong Kong's entertainment royalty was invited to perform:

Alan Tam, Leslie Cheung, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Andy Lau, Carina Lau, Faye Wong, Priscilla Chan, Jacky Cheung, and more.

---

When the party kicked off, Lindsay made her rounds. She exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries before turning to the stars.

Her presence was electrifying. Having just dismantled Hong Kong's four real estate giants and become the richest woman in the region, her aura alone made the celebrities tense up.

"Mrs. Lindsay, I'm Leslie Cheung," Leslie said, stepping forward. "Zhao Dong helped me a lot. It's an honor to finally meet you."

He had spent years in the U.S., so this was their first meeting.

"Mr. Cheung, hello." Lindsay smiled. "My husband often mentions you. He even hopes you'll hold a concert in Beijing."

"That would be an honor," Leslie replied excitedly.

"Mrs. Lindsay, hello," Jackie Chan greeted politely.

Lindsay gave him a warm nod. Both Leslie and Jackie were long-time friends of Zhao Dong.

The other celebrities—while eager—didn't dare speak first.

---

"Mrs. Lindsay is so elegant and stunning," Carina Lau whispered.

"I heard she's a European aristocrat," Faye Wong murmured.

"Shh! Don't say that!" Leslie quickly turned around and scolded her gently.

"Huh? What's wrong?" Faye blinked.

"Mrs. Lindsay doesn't like that topic," he warned quietly.

"Got it. Thanks, Brother Leslie," Faye said with a nod.

After chatting with Jackie, Lindsay spotted another familiar face.

With a charming smile, she approached.

"Are you Mr. Leon Lai?" she asked gently.

"Yes! Hello, Mrs. Lindsay," Leon said nervously.

"My husband specifically mentioned you when I invited you yesterday. I didn't recognize the name—but he said, 'The most handsome one must be Leon Lai.'"

Leon's face flushed. "No, no… I'm honored that Mr. Zhao would even know me."

"He said you're from Beijing as well?"

"Yes, I was born there. Moved to Hong Kong when I was four."

"My husband also told me you raised funding for polio vaccines for 80 million children back in 1993. That's something he deeply respects."

Leon smiled humbly. "It was just something within my ability."

"I hope we can work together in the future," Lindsay said, shaking his hand before moving on.

Not long after, Jackie strolled over to Leon.

"Leon, when are you heading to Beijing? Let's get tea with Zhao Dong sometime."

"Anytime. I'm free these days."

From behind, Leslie Cheung chimed in with a grin.

"You? Free? That's rare."

Leon chuckled. "I'm getting old. No longer trendy. I have plenty of time now."

"Don't say 'old' unless I say it first," Leslie laughed, playfully jabbing him in the shoulder.

"Seriously, I didn't even bring it up—you said it!" Leon added with a chuckle.

"By the way, Cheung," Jackie Chan leaned in and said, "Mrs. Lindsay mentioned earlier that Zhao Dong hopes you can hold a concert in Beijing. What do you think? Are you free soon? He's only available for the next two months. He might be heading back to the U.S. in October."

Leslie Cheung grinned. "I'll make arrangements right away. Will you come support me?"

"Of course," Jackie laughed.

Glancing over at Jet Li, Jackie asked curiously, "Ajie, you're from Beijing too, right? I heard that the Shichahai Martial Arts School you trained at was near the hutong where Zhao Dong grew up. It's called Sanbulao Alley, right? Did you ever run into him back then?"

Jet Li smiled. "Yeah, Sanbulao Hutong is just a few blocks from the school. But I left Shichahai after filming Shaolin Temple in 1980, so we never crossed paths."

Jackie nodded. "Makes sense. He was born in '77. You were already out by the time he was three."

---

August 1st – Dongwei Building, Hong Kong

Lindsay hosted a major press conference to officially announce the dissolution of Storm Fund. All assets—hundreds of billions of dollars—would be redeemed. The nearly $20 billion USD in U.S. stocks, including Nike shares, would be transferred.

The financial world was stunned.

Wall Street was left speechless. The best-performing fund during the bear market—the one that led the short-sellers to victory—was suddenly dissolving?

Especially after the shockwave Storm had just caused in Hong Kong's real estate sector, countless hot money players were preparing to jump in. But Lindsay's speed left them no chance. She ended the game before anyone else could even sit at the table.

"Mrs. Lindsay, is Storm Fund shutting down entirely?" asked a New York Times reporter.

"All funds will be fully dissolved," Lindsay said calmly.

"Is this related to the creation of Tianlong Investment Bank? As far as we know, the 36 funds under Tianlong are all closed-end industrial funds. Are you walking away from financial investment entirely?"

"That's correct," Lindsay answered.

Of course, that wasn't the full truth.

Lindsay and Zhao Dong would soon launch a new private investment fund. This fund would take over Storm's $20 billion in U.S. equities—companies with strong potential, earmarked for long-term holding.

Eventually, these assets would be absorbed by Tianlong-backed group companies, either state-owned or private. Tianlong would lead multiple merger and acquisition waves.

At the same time, Lindsay would establish a new series of quantum investment funds, dedicated to aggressive short selling of U.S. stocks. These were tools of financial warfare—not investment.

"Madam, what will happen to the Nike shares?" another reporter asked.

"Zhao Sports will acquire them," Lindsay replied with a smile.

August 15th – Beijing

After wrapping up all Hong Kong affairs, Lindsay flew to Beijing on a private jet.

"Wife, you've worked hard!" Zhao Dong greeted her at the tarmac.

"Husband, I missed you so much!" Lindsay beamed.

They hadn't seen each other in a month. Instead of heading home, they went straight to a hotel. It wasn't until dinner that they finally returned to the courtyard.

---

That night, they sat together, discussing the next steps.

Zhao Dong brought up a struggling tech firm.

"Eve, that company I mentioned—its funds are drying up. I'm thinking of re-registering it here in China. Then we open a U.S. branch and increase the capital."

"You're really that optimistic?" Lindsay asked.

"It won't cost much. It's got solid tech. Let's support it for now—venture capital, right? What if it blows up?"

"Alright," Lindsay nodded. "I'll have someone arrange it."

Zhao Dong was convinced: better to bring the tech back now before it slipped away.

"Oh, and about the yacht," Zhao Dong said, pulling out his notebook. "Design proposals from a few shipyards came in while you were in Hong Kong. Let's pick one."

Lindsay lit up. "Finally!"

They browsed through the designs like kids picking candy.

In the end, they chose Germany's Lürssen Yacht Group.

From that point on, Lindsay's schedule became even more intense.

Now that the capital had been raised, it was time to spend—strategically.

Under President Zhu's guidance, multiple ministries began streamlining departments, cutting red tape, and integrating national resources. A slew of state-level group companies were established, with trillions of RMB flowing into them.

Tianlong Investment Bank became a critical shareholder—not the majority, but with enough stake and legal rights to influence development direction.

---

At the same time, Lindsay—on behalf of herself and Zhao Dong—launched Dongwei Industrial Group, aimed at tech and innovation.

The focus?

Core chips

New energy

New materials

Digital networks

These companies were privately funded and fully controlled by Lindsay and Zhao Dong, with supplementary investment from Tianlong and the state.

By now, Lindsay was the face of China's industrial future.

She'd invested hundreds of billions in sectors the nation desperately needed. Her image flooded state media and financial news. Ministries and local governments rolled out the red carpet for her. She became a national icon, a living symbol of prosperity.

Even Zhao Dong felt left out.

"She's so busy, I haven't had a decent meal with her in days," he joked. "I might have to ask her to pack a lunch box for me next time."

---

As news of Tianlong's massive investments spread, global media went wild.

Billions in funding poured into China, led by Lindsay and Tianlong. International capital followed like a tide. Firms from around the world began flying into Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing—inspecting, negotiating, and investing.

(End of Chapter)

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