mesbooks Chapter 1002: A Message Spreads from the Capital?
Chapter 1002: A Message Spreads from the Capital?
Hong Kong, Kai Tak International Airport.
Today's airports have a significantly higher level of security than usual.
Police officers and security guards were everywhere, and the security team from Huanyu Bodyguard Company was also prominently featured.
Important figures who are usually only seen on television are gathered here at this moment.
Li Jiacheng, Liu Luanxiong, Ma Shimin, Burton, Chen Shulin, Cui Zilong, Wei Li, Huo Jianning, Zhang Zhongmou, Lin Haoning...
A group of top figures in Hong Kong's business world stood together at the VIP exit, quietly waiting for someone to arrive.
At the same time, many journalists from mainstream Hong Kong media outlets also sprang into action.
Obviously, everyone guessed which important person's plane would be landing at Kai Tak International Airport today.
As a source of pride for Hong Kong's business community, Lin Haoran's major achievements in the United States over the past two months have been reported back to Hong Kong immediately.
The acquisitions of MGM Studios and MGM Grand Hotel, and the head-on clashes with the six Hollywood giants—each of these events was like a bombshell, creating a huge stir in Hong Kong's business world.
There are still many things that haven't been spread yet, otherwise it would be even more shocking.
This wasn't the first time he had shaken Hong Kong, but this time was exceptionally different.
Because this time the battlefield is not in Hong Kong, nor on Wall Street, but in Hollywood, a place that has been monopolized by the Scots for decades and where Chinese people have never truly set foot.
Lin Haoran not only stepped inside, but also stirred up trouble within.
Although Lin Haoran may seem to be at a disadvantage at present, his ability to acquire a Hollywood giant and wage war against the Squid Consortium is something that not everyone can do.
The combined attack from six major giants, the collective pessimism from the media, and the frantic loss of talent—anyone in this situation would probably be in a state of utter chaos by now.
But Lin Haoran didn't seem flustered at all, and no one knew what he was up to.
Unlike the American media's skepticism about Lin Haoran's business battle against the six Hollywood giants, the citizens and media of Hong Kong have blind confidence in Lin Haoran.
It wasn't because they understood the power structure of Hollywood, but because they had witnessed Lin Haoran repeatedly create possibilities from the impossible.
They witnessed Lin Haoran drive Jardine Matheson out of Hong Kong, saw him rise to the top of Hong Kong's rich list in just a few years, saw him bankrupt Soros' Quantum Fund on Wall Street, and saw him turn the nearly bankrupt Forbes into Citigroup's possession.
Every time, no one believed in him, but every time, he won.
So this time, they believe he will win again.
This kind of trust needs no reason, no logic, and no analysis.
It can be summed up in a simple sentence: "We trust Mr. Lin to get things done."
When Lin Haoran walked out of the arrival hall, the reporters waiting outside instantly erupted in excitement.
Flashes went off one after another, shutters clicked incessantly, and dozens of microphones were thrust out at once.
Reporters jostled and pushed, all vying for the front seats, while security guards struggled to maintain order, resulting in a somewhat chaotic scene.
"Boss, welcome home!" Ma Shimin, as Lin Haoran's top general, quickly stepped forward, shook hands with Lin Haoran, and smiled.
"Why are you doing this? I was originally planning to come back quietly!" Lin Haoran said, somewhat amused and exasperated.
He had only mentioned his return to his parents, a few of his generals, and Li Jiacheng and Liu Luanxiong, but he didn't expect the news to spread so quickly, with so many reporters coming.
Ma Shimin smiled somewhat embarrassedly and explained, "Mr. Lin, this really wasn't my arrangement. I don't know how the news got out; someone at the airport probably leaked it."
By the time we found out, reporters were already waiting at the door, and we couldn't stop them.
Lin Haoran shook his head and didn't pursue the matter further.
He knew, of course, that this couldn't have been arranged by Ma Shimin. Ma Shimin had been with him for so many years and was always prudent in his work; he wouldn't make such a show on his own.
The news leaked simply because an airport staff member or a big shot's driver casually mentioned it, and it spread like wildfire until it became what it is today.
After all, he has to report back in advance when his private jet returns.
Since we're here, let's face it.
He wasn't worried about anything happening on his own turf.
After releasing Ma Shimin's hand, Lin Haoran shook hands with Li Jiacheng, Liu Luanxiong, Burton, Chen Shulin, Cui Zilong, Wei Li, Huo Jianning, Zhang Zhongmou, Lin Haoning, and others one by one.
Today, as the vice chairman and second-largest shareholder of Cheung Kong Holdings, and holding financial oversight power, Lin Haoran, as Cheung Kong Holdings' largest creditor, has long since transformed his relationship with Li Ka-shing from an adversarial one to a cooperative one, and a deeply intertwined one at that.
Li Jiacheng had long since resigned himself to his fate, no longer pursuing the status of the number one Chinese businessman, but instead clinging tightly to Lin Haoran as his powerful patron.
It wasn't that he lacked ambition, but rather that he understood better than anyone that in the face of absolute power, any ambition was futile.
Lin Haoran is no longer someone he can catch up with. Instead of continuing to compete for that empty title, he should work steadily with Lin Haoran and share the future benefits.
Li Ka-shing's ability to remain a prominent figure in Hong Kong's business world for decades stems from his clear-headedness and pragmatism.
As for Liu Luanxiong, in many people's eyes, Liu Luanxiong was trained by Lin Haoran.
Even Liu Luanxiong himself felt this way.
Indeed, in this life, even without Lin Haoran's interference, Liu Luanxiong would still have become a business tycoon if things had followed the normal trajectory.
However, it must be said that Lin Haoran did indeed interfere with Liu Luanxiong's business trajectory in this life.
He gave Liu Luanxiong opportunities, resources, and trust, enabling him to grow from a medium-sized businessman into one of Hong Kong's top tycoons in just a few years, a rise in wealth far exceeding that of Liu Luanxiong from another world.
In Liu Luanxiong's view, without Lin Haoran's support, he might still be producing orders in a small workshop in Hong Kong today, instead of being one of Hong Kong's top ten richest people, possessing billions of assets and wielding great influence in the business world.
He knew in his heart that without Lin Haoran, he wouldn't be where he was today.
Therefore, his affection for Lin Haoran was not based on self-interest, but on gratitude.
He admires this person.
Lin Haoran walked up to Lin Haoning with a touch of emotion.
When he first transmigrated, his older brother and he used all sorts of means to fight for the family fortune.
After Lin Haoran won, he was completely convinced.
"Big brother, thank you for picking me up at the airport." Lin Haoran held Lin Haoning's hand, his tone calm, as if he were speaking to an ordinary older brother.
Lin Haoning looked at his younger brother and felt a mix of emotions.
A few years ago, when he lost the competition for succession, he felt that his younger brother was just lucky and caught the wave of opportunity, and he was somewhat resentful.
But as time went on, Lin Haoran did one thing after another that he never dared to dream of: acquiring foreign firms, driving out Jardine Matheson, acquiring Huifeng, entering Wall Street, taking over MGM, and waging war against the Jews in Hollywood...
Everything made him realize that his younger brother was not on the same level as him.
It's not a difference in luck, but a difference in vision, perspective, and courage.
From then on, he was completely convinced and stopped competing and rivalry. He obediently became the eldest brother of the Lin family, managed his own business well, and occasionally managed to get some cooperation from Lin Haoran by virtue of his status as Lin Haoran's older brother.
"Of course." Lin Haoning smiled and patted Lin Haoran on the shoulder. "You've worked hard out there. It's good to see you back. It's almost Chinese New Year. I've been staying in Deep Water Bay these past few days. Mom and Dad have been talking about you for days."
Lin Haoran nodded without saying anything.
Just as he was about to leave the airport with everyone, a reporter shouted at Lin Haoran, "Mr. Lin, could you please give an interview?"
Security personnel kept them separated, preventing the reporters from getting close to Lin Haoran and his group.
However, he paused for a moment, then turned around and looked at the reporters.
He smiled and said, "Dear reporters, thank you for your hard work. I just got off the plane and I'm still jet-lagged. My head is still a little dizzy, so I won't stay long today. I'm sure you all have a lot of questions for me, so I'll just answer a few."
First, the reason I returned from the United States at this time was purely to spend the Chinese New Year with my family;
Secondly, everyone must be very curious about whether I am confident in dealing with the encirclement and suppression by the six Hollywood giants after acquiring MGM Studios. I want to say that I am confident.
Third, my investment in the United States is not because I am pessimistic about Hong Kong's future prospects. On the contrary, it is precisely because I am optimistic about Hong Kong's future that I need to make a global investment.
Hong Kong is my root, my home, and the starting point of my career. This will never change. Investing in the United States is to diversify the businesses of my various groups, reduce the risk of relying on a single market, and bring international resources back to Hong Kong. These two things are not contradictory but complementary.
Okay, that's all I have to say. I wish all Hong Kong citizens a happy Lunar New Year and a happy family reunion! Lin Haoran waved to the reporters and turned to leave the airport with everyone.
The reporters wanted to ask more questions, but the security guards had already formed a human wall to separate the crowd.
They could only watch helplessly as Lin Haoran and the others got into the car and then watched the convoy leave.
Half an hour later, Shi Xundao, Lin Family Villa.
When Lin Haoran's Rolls-Royce parked in his villa's designated parking space, Guo Xiaohan was already waiting at the door with her son, Lin Yaoguang.
After nearly two months apart, my son Lin Yaoguang has grown quite a bit.
The little guy, wearing a sky-blue onesie and a matching woolen hat, was being held in Guo Xiaohan's arms. He was kicking his little feet and babbling incoherently. When he saw Lin Haoran get out of the car, he paused for a moment, then seemed to recognize his father. He opened his little arms and leaned forward, as if he was about to pounce on him.
Lin Haoran rushed over, took Lin Yaoguang from Guo Xiaohan, and held him in his arms.
The little guy was soft and squishy, smelling of milk. He grabbed Lin Haoran's collar with his little hands and looked at him with wide, round eyes, as if trying to confirm whether this person was really his father.
After watching for a few seconds, the little guy suddenly grinned, revealing his pink gums.
……
In the blink of an eye, more than half a month has passed since Lin Haoran returned to Hong Kong, and it is now the end of February.
Lin Haoran had a very fulfilling time in Hong Kong during this period.
During the Spring Festival, I accompanied my parents, wife, and children to visit relatives and friends. Occasionally, I would go to the villa on Old Peak Road to stay for a few days with Kwan Ka-wai and my daughter Lok-lo. I attended several charity dinners, participated in banquets at the Governor's Palace, and got together with friends from the Hong Kong business community. I had a fulfilling and pleasant time.
Meanwhile, in the United States, MGM Studios and MGM Grand Hotel were also successfully privatized, and Lin Haoran gained 100% control of both companies.
After complete privatization, the news that former Caesars Palace head Clifford Perlman had joined MGM Resorts International as the company's new president could no longer be hidden.
When MGM Resorts announced this news, it instantly shocked the entire United States.
Those individual shareholders and institutions who had already sold their shares are now filled with regret.
With Clifford Perlman, a legendary Las Vegas professional manager, at the helm of the MGM Grand, there is no need to worry about its future.
Unfortunately, MGM Grand has been completely privatized, and it's too late for investors to regret their decision.
At this point, Kirkko Corian also belatedly realized what was happening.
He had originally planned to invite Clifford Perlman to join him as CEO of his new resort hotel. In his view, his partnership with Clifford Perlman would be an invincible combination in Las Vegas.
But now, Perlman has been beaten to it by Lin Haoran, and Kerkorian's plan has fallen through.
Although he offered his blessings during the interview, only he knew the true feelings he was experiencing.
Lin Haoran not only bought his company, but also took away the talents he had his eye on.
NBA Commissioner O'Brien called again.
This time, his tone was more urgent than ever before.
Because the NBA's financial situation has reached a very dangerous point.
Several small-market teams are on the verge of bankruptcy, television broadcasting contract negotiations have stalled, and the players' union is demanding higher salaries. The entire league is like a ship riddled with holes, ready to sink at any moment.
O'Brien needs someone who can afford to spend real money to put out the fire, and Lin Haoran is the richest and most likely person he can find to help.
However, Lin Haoran continued to ignore them, saying that he was currently handling matters in Hong Kong and did not have time to go to the United States for the time being. He suggested that if they wanted to negotiate further, the NBA league could bring a team to Hong Kong for negotiations.
President O'Brien had no choice but to tell Lin Haoran that he would discuss with the owners of the major teams and assemble a negotiation team to go to Hong Kong as soon as possible.
After listening, Lin Haoran simply replied, "We'll talk when you get here," and then hung up the phone.
He has plenty of resources; he's not in a hurry, the NBA is.
On February 28th, Hong Kong, having just celebrated the Lantern Festival, was still immersed in the afterglow of the holiday.
The red lanterns on the streets hadn't been taken down yet, and New Year's songs were still playing on a loop in the shopping malls. The air was filled with a lazy, holiday-like atmosphere.
Lin Haoran sat in his private office on the 51st floor of the Kang Le Building, leisurely sipping tea.
Sitting opposite him was Zhang Zhongmou, CEO and Chairman of Oracle Semiconductor, the renowned global semiconductor godfather in his previous life.
The company has been established for a year and its development speed is like a rocket. It has now cooperated with 12 global giants and its wafer foundry model is gradually taking shape.
Although it is basically in the trial production stage, at the current pace, Oracle Semiconductor's industry position will be completely solidified in a few years.
The emergence of Oracle Semiconductor completely filled the gap in Hong Kong's semiconductor industry, and more and more semiconductor companies began to pay attention to Hong Kong, a place that had been neglected.
The Governor's Office placed increasing importance on Oracle Semiconductor, as the company was not only a benchmark for Hong Kong's high-tech industry, but also the hope for Hong Kong's transformation from a traditional trading port to a technology center.
Financial Secretary officials have mentioned Oracle Semiconductor on more than one occasion in public, referring to it as "the pride of Hong Kong."
Over the past year, with the collapse of Hong Kong's real estate industry, its fiscal revenue has plummeted.
Real estate is a pillar industry in Hong Kong. Falling land prices, shrinking transactions, and broken capital chains of developers have affected a host of upstream and downstream industries, including banking, construction, decoration, and real estate agencies.
The Hong Kong government's land auction revenue has plummeted, and stamp duty revenue has also declined, causing the fiscal deficit to snowball.
The finance officials were so worried they couldn't sleep, searching everywhere for new sources of economic growth.
The emergence of Oracle Semiconductor was like a ray of light in the darkness, giving them hope.
Semiconductors are a high value-added industry. The investment in a single wafer fab can easily reach hundreds of millions or even billions of US dollars, creating thousands of jobs and driving an immeasurable upstream and downstream industrial chain.
If Hong Kong can become an important node in the semiconductor industry, it can not only make up for the fiscal gap caused by the decline in the real estate market, but also inject new impetus into Hong Kong's economic transformation.
Therefore, the Hong Kong government's support for Oracle Semiconductor is not icing on the cake, but a timely help in need.
“Haoran, the Governor’s Office hopes that we can get the Sha Tin new factory project off the ground as soon as possible. They even offered us additional incentives in terms of land and taxes. But I’m thinking that it might be better to put the second factory in Tseung Kwan O, which is closer to the first factory in Kwun Tong. What do you think about this?” Zhang Zhongmou asked with a smile.
He felt that his decision to leave Texas Instruments and come to Hong Kong to start over with Lin Haoran was absolutely the right one.
At Texas Instruments, although he was a senior executive, he was ultimately working for someone else, with a board of directors, shareholders, and various rules and regulations above him.
If you want to do something, you have to go through layers of approval, and by the time it's finally approved, it's too late.
At Oracle Semiconductor, it was different. Lin Haoran gave him enough authorization and trust. As long as the direction was right, he could do whatever he wanted.
This level of freedom is absolutely impossible to find at Texas Instruments.
Most importantly, in terms of funding, he has deeply experienced the joy of not having to worry about investment over the past year.
At Texas Instruments, every project requires repeated review and approval, and every budget requires multiple levels of approval. There are always people on the board asking, "Why can't we save more?" or "Why can't we wait a little longer?"
It felt like being bound hand and foot by countless ropes, unable to take a step to do anything.
At Oracle Semiconductor, things were different. Lin Haoran never asked about the specific details of expenditures. As long as the direction was right and the figures were reasonable, the money would be available at any time.
This kind of trust is more effective at retaining people than any high salary.
Lin Haoran put down his teacup and said with a smile, "Chairman Zhang, you can make the decision on this matter!"
Zhang Zhongmou's 100% loyalty rating made him feel completely at ease with the other party.
Although this loyalty is to Oracle Semiconductor and to his own career, that is enough.
If he uses his position to do things that are detrimental to the company, his loyalty will decrease, and Lin Haoran can detect it as soon as he sees him.
Since the loyalty rating is 100, it means that Zhang Zhongmou did not do anything to harm Oracle Semiconductor's interests.
Lin Haoran didn't need to know what he was thinking; he only needed to know that his actions wouldn't go astray, and that was enough.
Therefore, he let Zhang Zhongmou make decisions without interfering, questioning, or hindering him.
This is what makes a competent hands-off manager.
Just then, there was a knock on the office door.
"Please come in."
It was Ma Shimin who entered.
He walked quickly to Lin Haoran, greeted Zhang Zhongmou, and then said to Lin Haoran, "Boss, Mr. Liang, the minister of the mainland office in Hong Kong, just called and said he will visit you in person later. He has something to discuss with you."
Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback.
Minister Leung is the head of the mainland's office in Hong Kong. He had naturally met him before and had dealt with him quite a bit. The other party's daily work mainly involves handling economic and trade affairs between the mainland and Hong Kong. It seems that he has something important to tell him personally during this visit.
"When will Minister Liang arrive?" Lin Haoran asked.
“He said in twenty minutes,” Ma Shimin paused, “and that we didn’t need to pick him up, he would come by himself.”
Lin Haoran nodded.
He was curious about the purpose of the other party's visit.
Judging from the looks of it, it must be a message sent to the capital. (End of Chapter)