In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 758 Tough times call for harsh measures, and drastic medicine is needed for chronic illnesses!
In the business world, loyalty and stance are always of paramount importance.

Richard believed he could take control of the company, but little did he know that Lin Haoran was most intolerant of such actions.

Lin Haoran looked at the executives who were expressing their opinions one after another, nodded slightly, and showed a hint of satisfaction on his face.

Things didn't go as badly as we'd hoped, which is for the best.

Even though he had prepared for the worst!

His gaze swept over Richardson again, and he said coldly, "Mr. Richardson, what else do you have to say? I'll give you a chance to say everything you need to say."

Richard took a deep breath and forced himself to stand up. Although his body trembled slightly with anger, his eyes still showed a hint of stubbornness.

“Mr. Lin, are you not afraid that my departure will cause Hutchison Whampoa to fall into difficulties in the future? I have been with Hutchison Whampoa for many years. My connections and resources are deeply ingrained in my bones. Your decision seems decisive, but it is actually reckless!”

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran's lips curled into a mocking smile.

“Mr. Richard, you overestimate yourself. The reason why Wong has been able to get to where it is today is due to the efforts of countless people, not the achievements of one or a few individuals.”

Since I, Lin Haoran, dared to take over Hutchison Whampoa, I am confident that I can make it continue to shine. As for your so-called resources and connections, without the Hutchison Whampoa platform, how much use can they be?

Richard was speechless for a moment after hearing these words. His face turned red, and he wanted to refute them, but he couldn't find the right words.

He nodded slightly, acknowledging Xia Boyin and the others' statements, and then said, "Very good. Now that everyone has expressed their stance, I hope that from now on, we can truly see everyone's practical actions for Hutchison Whampoa."

The company is at a critical stage of development, and there is no room for complacency or selfishness.

Xia Boyin and the others nodded in agreement, but their foreheads were already covered with fine beads of sweat.

They knew in their hearts that from this moment on, their fates were tightly bound to Lin Haoran's, and if they wanted to maintain their current status and interests, they had no choice but to do their best to assist this new boss.

Otherwise, they would be kicked out at any time, just like Richard.

“Very good.” Lin Haoran nodded. “I can let bygones be bygones, but from today onwards, I hope to see a new beginning.”

I, Lin Haoran, as the absolute controlling shareholder of Hutchison Whampoa, will become the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hutchison Whampoa. Mr. Simon Murray will temporarily serve as the CEO of Hutchison Whampoa, responsible for the stability and strategic transition during the transition period.

As for all of you here, your positions will remain unchanged for the time being, but don't be too happy yet. I will be watching your every move. If I find anyone to be disloyal or two-faced, I, Lin Haoran, will not tolerate it. They will suffer the same fate as Mr. Richard!
As for the company's new CEO, I will find a suitable candidate to succeed him. Specific business adjustments and personnel arrangements will be announced later.

Lin Haoran's gaze swept over every executive present, his eyes seemingly able to penetrate their hearts, causing everyone to shiver involuntarily.

Richard felt resentful and unwilling as he listened to Lin Haoran's tough words, especially his use of him to threaten others.

He had thought that with his years of experience and connections at Hutchison Whampoa, he would have a chance to maneuver even if he confronted Lin Haoran head-on. But now it seems that he has no power to turn the tide.

He gritted his teeth, suppressing the humiliation in his heart, and said in a low voice, "Mr. Lin, I will remember what happened today. You will definitely regret it. Without me, it would be a loss for Hutchison Whampoa!"

Lin Haoran scoffed at this and didn't even bother to continue talking to him.

Will he regret it?

They really think they're the backbone of Hutchison Whampoa; they overestimate themselves.

At this moment, the Human Resources Director and the Head of Security arrived nervously at the conference room door.

Lin Haoran gestured for them to come in, then said to the distraught Richard, "Mr. Richard, please. I hope you will cooperate in completing the handover."

He wasn't afraid of the other party not cooperating with the handover, unless he was willing to give up his reputation and future standing in the industry.

After all, in the business world, once a reputation for not adhering to professional ethics and maliciously obstructing the normal operation of a company spreads, no company will dare to easily hire him again.

Richard, his face ashen, was "invited" out of the boardroom by security guards in full view of everyone.

After being dismissed from his post, he began to go through the handover procedures with the "accompaniment" of security guards.

With each step he took, he felt as if he were walking on cotton, soft yet incredibly heavy.

The days when he and Huang were powerful and influential are long gone. Now he has fallen into such a miserable state, and his heart is filled with resentment and bitterness.

However, what can one do if one is unwilling to accept it?
He had schemed and plotted, but he never expected that Xia Boyin, Wei Peter, and others would turn against him and betray him at the last minute.

Richard thought that if all these people were as tough and firm in their stance as he was, Lin Haoran might even take the initiative to invite them back.

But now, he and Lin Haoran have completely broken off relations, and there's no going back.

This scene was deeply imprinted in the minds of all the Hutchison Whampoa executives present.

Xia Boyin and the others watched Richard Xin being followed away by security guards, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

Richard was once a prominent figure in the company, wielding considerable resources and power, and was even considered by others to be the most suitable successor to Wylie.

However, things are different now, and he has ended up in such a miserable state.

This made everyone present realize even more deeply that any tricks they played in front of Lin Haoran could very likely lead to serious consequences.

Lin Haoran's gaze swept over everyone, his expression solemn and serious, and he said, "Everyone, this matter concerning Richard ends here."

I will temporarily waive the charges against you for your previous collusion and accomplice with Richard, but this does not mean that I will continue to condone and tolerate such behavior. I hope everyone will take this as a warning.

Today, Hutchison Whampoa is at a crucial stage of development, and what we urgently need are people who can unite as one and work wholeheartedly for the company.

Everyone nodded, indicating that they would keep Lin Haoran's teachings in mind.

Lin Haoran continued, "Your most important task going forward is to keep Hutchison Whampoa running smoothly. Mr. Simon Murray, the stability of the transition period depends on you. You need to closely monitor the company's internal dynamics and ensure that all tasks proceed in an orderly manner."

For him, since the true leader of Hutchison Whampoa has not yet emerged, it is enough as long as the group operates normally and does not encounter any major problems.

Ma Shimin smiled and nodded, saying, "Mr. Lin, rest assured, I will do my best to ensure a smooth transition period."

After the meeting, Lin Haoran and Ma Shimin returned to the chairman's office that had been prepared temporarily.

This used to be Li Ka-shing's private office at Hutchison Whampoa, but now it belongs to Lam Ho-yin.

The office furnishings remain unchanged, without any alterations.

Since learning two days ago that Galaxy Securities had acquired a 46.9% stake, Li Ka-shing has not set foot in the area again.

For Li Jiacheng, this office was also a place of sorrow.

For many years, he had painstakingly planned and devoted countless efforts to finally become the master of this place, but in less than a year, Lin Haoran took it all away.

Such bitterness would be unbearable for anyone.

Ma Shimin exclaimed, "Boss, your move was truly clean and efficient. Richard and the others probably never dreamed that you would be so decisive."

Lin Haoran stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the view of Victoria Harbour. Although Hutchison Whampoa Building was only more than 20 stories high and not nearly as tall as Hong Lok Building, it was still very valuable in the prime Central Harmony business district.

He smiled slightly and said calmly, "In chaotic times, severe measures are needed; for serious illnesses, strong medicine is required."

Hutchison Whampoa's empire is too large, and its internal relationships are intricately intertwined. If it cannot establish absolute authority from the outset, it will only face endless troubles in the future.

Li Jiacheng serves as a cautionary tale; his initial appeasement and compromise only emboldened these people. Now that I'm here, I'm determined to completely change this atmosphere.

Although that's what he said, Lin Haoran also knew that Li Jiacheng was forced into this situation. The other party's foundation was too shallow, and he needed to slowly cultivate his own confidants, unlike him, who controlled a diversified company like Hongkong Land Group and had a wealth of talent under his command.

If Lin Haoran had not acquired Hutchison Whampoa, Li Jiacheng would not have been able to openly oust Richardson and others until 1984, replacing them with his own confidants.

It can be said that he endured it for a full three years.

Lin Haoran, on the other hand, did not need to endure humiliation like Li Jiacheng, because he had his own confidence!
Ma Shimin nodded in deep agreement: "After this experience, the management should not dare to have any more improper thoughts."

Next, it's time for a comprehensive review and integration of Hutchison Whampoa's business, and regarding the selection of a CEO..."

Lin Haoran turned around, smiled slightly, and said, "Shimin, I think it's time to get in touch with Wei Li, whom you mentioned before. After today's incident, I believe he will have a clearer understanding of my determination and style."

A professional manager who needs sufficient empowerment to showcase their talents might find a better platform with me than Bailibao.

Ma Shimin smiled and said, "I understand. I will find some time to personally meet with Mr. Wei Li. I believe that after hearing the story that happened in the conference room today, he will be very interested in cooperating with you."

Lin Haoran nodded slightly.

Today, he has truly taken control of Hutchison Whampoa, adding another company to his portfolio, which is certainly cause for celebration.

Moreover, this is the famous Hutchison Whampoa, formerly known as Hutchison Whampoa.

After Ma Shimin left the office, Lin Haoran stood alone by the window, watching the ships coming and going in Victoria Harbour.

The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the sea, creating a shimmering golden glow.

At that moment, an indescribable sense of accomplishment welled up in his heart.

“Hutchison Whampoa…” Lin Haoran murmured softly, a faint smile unconsciously curving his lips.

This once seemingly unattainable business empire, seemingly suspended in the sky, is now firmly under his control. What's even more remarkable is that he seized it all from Li Jiacheng.

After all, it was Li Jiacheng who offended him first, so he felt no guilt whatsoever.

Time passed little by little, and soon it was evening.

As the sun set, the streetlights along the street instantly turned on.

On the top floor of Hutchison Whampoa Tower, the dazzling lights of Victoria Harbour spread out beneath Lin Haoran's feet, just like the vast business empire he now controls.

Taking over Hutchison Whampoa and swiftly disposing of Richardson, establishing absolute authority, has completely reshaped the business landscape of Hong Kong in just a few days, from last week to now.

However, there was little intoxication in Lin Haoran's eyes, only a calm and profound look.

Having established its authority through severe punishments during a chaotic era, and having taken strong medicine to cure a chronic illness, the next step is for Hutchison Whampoa, this giant ship, to truly turn around and set sail.

……

Meeting room of Yalong Company, a subsidiary of Baibaoli Group, Wan Chai.

The shimmering Victoria Harbour outside the window, a bustling port scene, contrasted sharply with the somber atmosphere inside the meeting room.

The air was filled with lingering cigar smoke and a sense of frustration.

Wei Li put down the report in his hand and rubbed his temples.

Baibaoli Group's acquisition of China Bus ultimately failed, as it was snatched away by a more powerful conglomerate. Now, his chances of success are almost negligible.

His meticulously planned scheme appeared so pale and powerless in the face of even stronger capital and connections.

“Mr. Wei, the conditions they offered are indeed… We did our best.” The assistant sitting opposite him spoke cautiously.

Wei Li waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to say anything more.

In the business world, ups and downs, wins and losses are common occurrences, but this failure came at an inopportune time.

Babble and Yarron need a morale-boosting victory, and he seems to crave a stage where he can prove his worth once again.

Clearly, this is not the stage for Babel.

The moment the thought crossed his mind, he instinctively turned his gaze toward the familiar landmark outside the window, the Hutchison Whampoa Building.

Just a few days ago, a young man who had only risen to prominence for three years used astonishing speed and methods to drive Li Ka-shing into a corner, ultimately not only taking control of Hutchison Whampoa, but also becoming the second largest shareholder and vice chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings.

This news was like a boulder thrown into a calm pond, shaking the entire top-tier business district of Hong Kong.

Wei Li's feelings were extremely complicated.

Hutchison Whampoa was the "child" he painstakingly pulled back from the brink of bankruptcy.

He spearheaded the merger of Hutchison International and Whampoa Shipyard, and implemented a series of iron-fisted reforms that turned the company around and laid the foundation for its current success.

However, strategic differences within HSBC, especially Li Ka-shing's suffocating desire for control and distrust, ultimately forced him to leave with regret and resentment.

His feelings for Huang went far beyond that of a professional manager; it was the culmination of his hard work and dedication.

When he learned that Li Jiacheng had been so decisively defeated by Lin Haoran and would ultimately hand over Huang to him, he was shocked but also felt a faint sense of satisfaction. The person who had pushed him out had finally tasted the bitterness of defeat.

But what followed was a deeper worry: how would this Lin Haoran, who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, treat him and Huang?
What fate awaits this "child" that he has reshaped with his own hands?
"Beep beep beep..." The phone on his desk rang urgently, interrupting his thoughts.

It was an outside line, a number from the Hutchison Whampoa Building, and a name from an old subordinate he knew very well—Xia Boyin.

Wei Li's eyes narrowed, and he quickly picked up the microphone: "Simon?"

Simon is indeed Xia Boyin's English name.

The voice on the other end of the phone was deliberately lowered, tinged with lingering fear: "It's me, Mr. Wei Li. Something's happened, something terrible! Mr. Richard has been fired! Fired on the spot by Mr. Lin Haoran, just now at the board meeting!"

Even someone as seasoned as Wayne Lai felt a jolt of fear upon hearing the news, his fingers tightening around the microphone: "What? Mr. Richard was fired on the spot? What happened? Tell me slowly, from beginning to end, explain it clearly!"

His voice was filled with disbelief.

Richard was one of the core members he carefully selected and retained when he left. He was quite capable and one of the implementers of his ideas.

Xia Boyin took a deep breath, as if to calm his racing heart, and began to describe in detail the thrilling scene that had just unfolded in the Hutchison Whampoa boardroom:
"This afternoon, Mr. Lin officially brought Mr. Ma Shimin to take over. At first, the scene was normal. Mr. Lin is very young, but his aura is frighteningly strong. He speaks with authority without being angry."

He first announced that he had become the absolute controlling shareholder and chairman of the board of directors of Hutchison Whampoa, and that Mr. Simon Murray would serve as the interim chief executive officer to oversee the transition period…

“Hmm.” Wei Li responded. This arrangement was not unexpected. He had heard about Ma Shimin’s abilities and his relationship with Lin Haoran within the industry.

"Mr. Lin affirmed our professional capabilities in company operations, and the atmosphere eased somewhat. Mr. Richard felt this was an opportunity, so he wanted to test Mr. Lin's bottom line." Xia Boyin's voice carried annoyance and a hint of lingering fear.

"He hinted that he hoped Mr. Lin would give the management team enough trust and operational space, similar to a financial investor. As a result, Mr. Lin immediately brought up the old story of how Chinese executives were sidelined and squeezed out of the core of power during the Li Ka Shing era!"
The warning in his words was obvious even to a fool!

Wei Li frowned.

Lin Haoran was making a scare tactic, using the "misdeeds" of Li Jiacheng's era to warn Richard Xin and others not to repeat the same mistakes.

This young man was very familiar with the past grievances between Wong and Huang, and he acted with great precision.

Although he had stepped down, he was aware of the situation after Richard Shin took over as CEO. Moreover, he had many former employees at Hutchison Whampoa whom he had personally trained, so it was easy for him to find out what was going on there.

For example, Xia Boyin was a senior executive at Hutchison Whampoa whom he personally cultivated and promoted.

"Mr. Richard was probably lulled into complacency by the previous 'smooth sailing,' or perhaps he thought that Lin Sheng was new to the area and dared not touch him."

He produced the "Proposal on Optimizing the Future Governance Structure of Hutchison Whampoa" that we had prepared in advance. The core idea of ​​this proposal was to require Mr. Lin to act only as a financial investor and strategic approver, and to delegate all operational, personnel, and investment decision-making powers to the management!

Mr. Richardson also emphasized that this was a "reasonable" requirement based on professionalism and maintaining the company's operational stability; otherwise, there might be "adverse effects." Xia Boyin relayed this information verbatim to the former boss, Wei Li.

Although Lin Haoran's threats instilled fear in them for a short time, they were no longer loyal to him.

Therefore, he could tell Wei Li, his former boss who had mentored him, without hesitation, hoping to get some advice from his former boss.

"Foolish!" Wei Li couldn't help but mutter under his breath.

He knows Richard Shin too well. He's capable, but his vision and shrewdness are far inferior to those of a true tycoon.

This kind of trick of using "stability" as a pretext to force someone to resign during a power transition might work on ordinary people, but it's tantamount to suicide in front of a ruthless tyrant who has just cleanly and decisively defeated Li Jiacheng and clearly established his authority with swift and decisive measures!

"Who does he think he is? Does he think Lin Haoran is a real estate tycoon like Li Jiacheng, who has no experience in other industries and is therefore helplessly controlled by him?" Wei Li's words were full of mockery and regret for Richard's overestimation of his abilities.

Although he had worked with Richardson for several years, Richardson was not someone he had personally trained, but rather an "old hand" of Hutchison Whampoa. Therefore, he didn't care much about Richardson, and being fired was no big deal for him.

"Mr. Wei Li, the main thing is that none of us expected Mr. Lin Haoran to be so decisive, leaving no chance to retain him. He dismissed Mr. Richard from his post and even had security guards take him out directly."

"They fired me right away, thankfully not the whole team, otherwise I would have left Hutchison Whampoa by now!" Xia Boyin said, a sense of fear creeping into his heart.

"Dismissed on the spot? Escorted by security?" Wei Li gasped. Even though he had a premonition, he was still shocked to hear Lin Haoran deal with a top management member in such a decisive, ruthless, and almost humiliating way.

This method is even more ruthless than the iron fist he used to purge Hutchison Whampoa during a crisis!

How much confidence and decisiveness does that require?

This is no longer just making an example of someone; it's directly destroying the monkey mountain and rebuilding order!

After all, Richardson is the CEO, the top executive at Hutchison Whampoa besides the Chairman of the Board.

"Yes! Right there on the spot!" Mr. Richard's face turned deathly pale instantly, and he was completely stunned! The conference room was deathly silent; you couldn't even hear a breath.

Xia Boyin's voice still trembled slightly as he recalled the scene, "It was too sudden! Too... too ruthless! Everyone was stunned! When Lin Sheng's eyes swept over, no one dared to meet his gaze."

"And then?" Wei Li pressed, eager to know what happened next and how everyone reacted.

“Then, Lin Sheng gave us a choice.” Xia Boyin’s voice became complicated.

He said: "Those who sincerely assist him and help Hutchison Whampoa reach new heights, Lin Haoran will never treat them unfairly. Salary, benefits, status, everything can be re-evaluated and will only get better!"
But Richard Shin is a prime example of someone who outwardly complies but inwardly defies, harboring侥幸心理 (a gambler's mentality).

"You've chosen to take a stand?" Wei Li instantly understood the subtext of Xia Boyin's phone call and the inevitable chain reaction that would occur in the meeting room.

"I... I was the first to stand up." Xia Boyin's voice was a little embarrassed, but more so a sense of relief and a feeling of surviving a disaster. "Mr. Wei Li, in that situation, I really had no choice!"

Lin Sheng's aura was too strong, and upon closer reflection, he was right; Mr. Richard was playing with fire!
Mr. Lin Haoran holds a full 86.9% of the shares, which is more than double the 40% stake previously held by Cheung Kong Holdings. There is absolutely no point in us following him to oppose Lin Haoran!
All I could say was, "I, Xia Boyin, fully support Lin Sheng's leadership and will do my utmost to serve the company!" Peter and the others quickly stood up and echoed his sentiments; nobody dared to object! Lin Sheng was too powerful!

Wei Li fell silent.

　Asking for a monthly ticket~

　　
　
(End of this chapter)