In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 768 An Invitation from the Mainland: Preparing to Go to Beijing!

The sea breeze wafted through the half-open window, stirring up the aroma of tea in the conference room.

Just as Lin Haoran had convinced Lin Wan'an and Zou Zhenbang to support the Tseung Kwan O New Film City project with his "Oriental Hollywood" blueprint, the three of them got up when suddenly a loud crash of a bamboo shed collapsing and the director's shouts came from outside the window.

Lin Haoran turned his gaze toward the source of the sound and said with a smile, "Mr. Zou, since you have some free time today, why don't you show me around this movie theater? Before putting new wine in old bottles, we should at least taste the old wine."

"Hao'er, why don't you go and have a look around? I have some work to take care of," Lin Wan'an nodded and said.

"Lin Sheng is wise!" Zou Zhenbang quickly bowed and led the way, his tone filled with awe for his new master. "They're filming a movie set in the Republican era over there. It's normal for bamboo sheds to collapse; these were all temporary structures built before filming!"

Lin Haoran nodded, but did not reply. Instead, he walked out of the office.

At Studio 3, Block B, Shaw Studios, TVB's annual blockbuster drama "Love in the Flames" is currently filming its climax scene.

The scene is set on a war-torn street in the Republican era. The female lead, Wang Mingquan, dressed in a plain cheongsam with disheveled hair, lies on the ruins, sobbing uncontrollably: "Ah Jie, you promised to take me away..."

The camera zooms in for a close-up, and the despair in her eyes is palpable.

Clearly, the actors are now fully immersed in their roles.

"Cut! Sister, your emotions are on point, get ready to save..." Before the director could finish speaking, the studio door creaked open.

Zou Zhenbang stood sideways, and Lin Haoran stepped in.

Upon hearing the noise, everyone's eyes turned to Lin Haoran, and the shed fell silent.

Wang Mingquan's sobs caught in his throat, tears hanging precariously on his cheeks.

She forgot her lines, forgot the director, and just stared blankly at the entrance. Who in Hong Kong didn't know this Hong Kong business tycoon who swept through Jardine Matheson and trampled on Huifeng?

The lighting technician slammed the reflector to the ground with a thud, and the stuntmen froze, like statues.

Director Chen Qingwen's mind went blank. He instinctively jumped up from his chair and almost ran forward, wiping his hands on his trouser seams before extending them: "Mr. Lin! Your presence is an honor to our humble abode! This is truly our pleasure!"

Lin Haoran glanced at Wang Mingquan and said with a smile, "Excuse me for disturbing you. Your name is Wang Mingquan, right? You acted quite well."

This was Lin Haoran's first time watching a film crew shoot, and seeing the actors' dedication and the realistic set design, he felt a unique sense of excitement.

These are the real actors. In comparison, the young idols of later generations have only pretty faces, but their acting skills are like paper lanterns, easily punctured.

Lin Haoran sighed inwardly, his gaze lingering on Wang Ming for a few more moments.

Although her tears were still wet, the sorrow and resilience emanating from her very bones seemed to perfectly portray the helplessness and deep affection of women in the chaotic world of the Republic of China.

Wang Mingquan's cheeks were still wet with tears, but a blush had already appeared. His fingertips unconsciously tightened around the hem of his cheongsam. A single word of praise from him was worth more than ten years of hard work on the film set!

Lin Haoran is a major shareholder and vice chairman of TVB. Wang Mingquan had seen Lin Haoran before at the TVB building, but she could only watch this Hong Kong business tycoon from afar and did not dare to go up and greet him, because she knew that they were not from the same world.

Wang Mingquan was the first to react. She hurriedly wiped the tears from her face, stood up, and tried her best to remain elegant despite her flustered state.

She bowed slightly and said, "Mr. Lin, I'm so sorry, I was so engrossed in my role that I didn't notice you coming in."

Her voice carried a hint of nervousness, after all, the person in front of her was a powerful figure in the business world, someone she could only see in financial news, but now he had suddenly appeared in this small filming studio.

Lin Haoran waved his hand and smiled gently: "It's alright. It's a good thing for actors to get into character. That's how you make a film that is real and moving."

His words eased the tense atmosphere slightly, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Several young girls playing dancers stood on tiptoe, stretching their necks like swans, hoping that the gaze would linger for a moment longer.

Seeing this, Chen Qingwen quickly stepped forward, his face full of smiles: "Chairman Lin, it's rare for you to come all this way, how about I give you a detailed introduction to our film?"
This is TVB's major production of the year; from the script to the cast, it's been meticulously crafted.

Lin Haoran nodded and followed Chen Qingwen to the side.

Chen Qingwen launched into a long and enthusiastic explanation, from the dramatic plot twists and turns to the actors' brilliant performances, and the various interesting anecdotes during filming, speaking with great enthusiasm.

Lin Haoran listened quietly, occasionally asking questions, which Chen Qingwen answered in detail one by one, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

Not far away, Wang Mingquan and the other actors whispered among themselves.

Lin Haoran recently seized the prestigious Hutchison Whampoa from Li Ka-shing and became the vice chairman of Cheung Kong Holdings. The drama in the business world is far more exciting than any movie they've ever acted in.

"Alright, you guys can continue filming. I've been disrupting your filming schedule." After inspecting the set, Lin Haoran waved and left.

Zou Zhenbang had been with the company for some time, and having worked at Shaw Brothers for many years, he knew the film studio very well.

After leaving the set of "Love Amidst the Flames of War," Zou Zhenbang continued to talk at length as he walked.

Upon entering the martial arts shed in Area A, a wave of heat hit us the moment the door opened.

Shaw Brothers' major film "Chor Lau Heung" is currently being filmed. Adam Cheng, dressed in white and holding a folding fan, gracefully descends from the wire, pointing his sword at the villain: "You lowly villains, do you even deserve to discuss swordsmanship with me?"

Before he could finish speaking, he caught a glimpse of Lin Haoran out of the corner of his eye, and stumbled.

"Chiu Guan!" Action director Ching Siu-tung exclaimed, helping him up.

Zheng Shaoqiu, disregarding his disheveled appearance, straightened his sleeves and strode forward to bow, saying, "Mr. Lin!" His eyes were filled with reverence, as if he were seeing a deity.

Cheng Xiaodong followed closely behind, his Adam's apple bobbing nervously. This boss was a ruthless figure who dared to fire Richard on the spot!
Lin Haoran's gaze swept across the film set and suddenly settled on a corner.

A girl dressed in coarse cloth martial arts attire was secretly watching him.

Around sixteen or seventeen years old, her ponytail was damp with sweat and stuck to the side of her neck. Her face still had baby fat, but her phoenix eyes were surprisingly bright. She was none other than Yang Ziqiong, the martial arts actress who would later become famous in Hong Kong!

When she saw Lin Haoran looking at her, her breathing quickened, and she "accidentally" tore open her clothes, revealing a small patch of her honey-colored shoulder. She leaned forward like a young leopard waiting to be hunted.

That naked ambition is more scorching than the dry ice fog on the ceiling!

This is actually quite normal, after all, this is the famous Hong Kong tycoon Lin Haoran. If Lin Haoran really takes a liking to her, she won't have to worry about the rest of her life.

Just as Zou Zhenbang was about to reprimand him, Lin Haoran raised his hand to stop him: "He's a promising talent."

The four words were like sweet rain, and Yang Ziqiong trembled all over, her eyes bursting with joy!

Lin Haoran knew that this girl would become a superstar in the Chinese-speaking world in the future, and that she did have acting talent.

Unfortunately, Yang Ziqiong was not Lin Haoran's type.

Therefore, even though the other person's eyes were full of expectation, Lin Haoran simply looked away.

Ching Siu-tung took the opportunity to showcase his newly designed "bamboo house explosion scene": the protagonist is chased to the second floor, and when the explosion occurs, he must leap towards the opposite stall.

"Potassium nitrate mixed with sawdust is absolutely safe for explosives."

After listening to Cheng Xiaodong's explanation of the explosion scene design, Lin Haoran's gaze fell on the meticulously constructed bamboo building, and he said with a smile, "Safety is the top priority, but the effect cannot be compromised."

While the bomb placement was reasonable, the visual impact seemed to lack something.

Cheng Xiaodong was taken aback, not expecting that Lin Haoran, a complete novice, would know these things.

He then humbly asked for advice: "Mr. Lin, how do you think it should be improved?"

Lin Haoran walked to the bamboo house and examined it carefully. Based on his knowledge from later generations, he said, "We can add some colored paper scraps and smoke bombs to the blast point. This will not only create a more realistic chaotic scene when it explodes, but also add a sense of visual depth."

Cheng Xiaodong's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly: "Mr. Lin, what you said has given me a new idea. You have a unique perspective and you grasped the key point right away."

……

The Shaw Brothers Studio wasn't very big, and with the addition of several film crews they visited, Lin Haoran and Zou Zhenbang only spent a little over an hour there.

Before lunch, Lin Haoran returned to the cinema's administration building.

As he passed by the open-air rest area, he suddenly saw a beautiful figure in a beige trench coat standing in front of him. It was a young actress whom Lin Haoran did not recognize. She had obviously just removed her makeup, and her hair was still dripping wet.

She had clearly been waiting for this, and as Lin Haoran approached, she gave a graceful curtsy, her trench coat belt loosening to reveal a glimpse of fair skin beneath her collarbone: "Mr. Lin, my name is Kally. It's an honor to meet you today. I wonder if I could..."

With a glance, his intention to dedicate himself was obvious.

Lin Haoran did not stop walking; he simply passed by her as if admiring an exquisite ornament.

She is quite good-looking; she could be considered a top-tier beauty.

However, he wasn't the type of person who would sleep with every woman he saw.

Lin Haoran's gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he casually looked away and walked straight past her.

The actress named Kally stood frozen in place, her fingers trembling slightly beneath her trench coat.

She had meticulously planned this encounter for so long, yet it couldn't even make him stop for a moment.

Zou Zhenbang quickly caught up and whispered, "Mr. Lin, this is a newly signed trainee from the acting training program. She's a promising talent. Should we...?"

It's so common for bosses to sexually harass actors that Zou Zhenbang wasn't surprised.

"No need," Lin Haoran interrupted him. "Focus on the important things. Starting tomorrow, we will reform the artist training system. I want to see truly talented people get opportunities, not those who take shortcuts."

His voice wasn't loud, but it made everyone in the rest area, who were straining to hear it, hold their breath.

This sentence shatters all delusions.

The young actress froze on the spot, her nails digging into her palms, her face turning from flushed to deathly pale in an instant.

Although Lin Haoran doesn't concern himself with Shaw Brothers films, he can still casually ask some questions.

Back in the chairman's office, Lin Wan'an was hunched over his desk, writing furiously. The desk was piled high with documents. The famous "SB" shield-shaped logo behind him was very conspicuous.

This is the logo that Shaw Brothers Studio has used for many years, and it is also a childhood memory for many children in mainland China born in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Lin Haoran's gaze lingered on the sign for a moment, and he couldn't help but recall his youthful days renting Shaw Brothers martial arts films in video arcades in his previous life.

Seeing Lin Haoran enter, he put down his pen, looked up and smiled, "Hao'er, how was the tour?"

"Daddy, not bad, I've learned a lot." Lin Haoran pulled up a chair and sat down, saying with a smile.

Zou Zhenbang stood respectfully with his head bowed: "Mr. Lin has such keen insight, he even noticed the flaws in the explosion scene..."

“Daddy, do you think we should change the name Shao?” Lin Haoran suddenly laughed.

In any case, now that Shaw Brothers has been acquired by the Lin family, it is indeed inappropriate to continue using the name "Shaw Brothers".

Lin Wan'an paused slightly upon hearing this, then a thoughtful expression appeared on his face: "Hao'er is right, but the 'Shaw Brothers' brand has been operating in the Hong Kong film industry for 23 years, and a sudden name change might be..."

Lin Haoran stood up, walked to the window and looked at the film set in the distance. He said, "It is precisely because we have been in business for decades that we need to innovate. The name Shaw Brothers carries too many imprints of the old era."

We aim to create a future-oriented 'Hollywood of the East,' so a fresh start is warranted.

In this era, the shield-shaped logo 'SB' may simply be an abbreviation of the full English name of Shaw Brothers Studio. However, in a decade or two, the combination of these two letters in the internet age could give rise to some rather unpleasant ambiguity.

Lin Haoran shook his head slightly as he recalled the online mockery of the Shaw Brothers logo in later generations.

Moreover, Shaw Brothers films have long since declined, and there is no need to keep the brand any longer.

Zou Zhenbang cautiously interjected, "Mr. Lin, changing your name is a serious matter. Should we consult a feng shui master to choose an auspicious day?"

Lin Haoran turned around and smiled, "This matter can be decided and arranged by my father."

He was helping his father acquire the film company, but he had no intention of managing it himself.

"Hao'er, do you have any good suggestions?" Lin Wan'an asked.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran frowned, and after a while, said, "The new name should reflect our ambition—how about 'Media Asia Films'? Within the world, at the pinnacle of Asia."

Media Asia Films actually had a film company with the same name established more than a decade later in 1994, and this company quickly became a leader in the Hong Kong Chinese film production and distribution industry.

It's quite fitting that Lin Haoran is using this name now.

“Media Asia Films,” Lin Wan’an murmured, a look of approval gradually appearing in his eyes. “Excellent! It has a grand vision and perfectly aligns with our ambition to establish ourselves in Asia and expand globally.”

Zou Zhenbang nodded repeatedly: "Mr. Lin, your insight is brilliant! This name is both grand and modern, and it suits our future development better than 'Shaw Brothers.'"

"Then it's settled," Lin Wan'an decided. "Zou Sheng, you immediately begin processing the name change procedures, and at the same time, notify the design department; I need to see the new logo design within three days."

"Yes!" Zou Zhenbang bowed and accepted the order.

After having lunch with his father, Lin Wan-an, at the Shaw Brothers Studio's company cafeteria, Lin Haoran left the Shaw Brothers Studio.

Lin Haoran never intended to make a lot of money with Shaw Brothers Studio, which is about to be renamed Media Asia Films. He just wanted his father, Lin Wan'an, who was over sixty years old, to have a career to support, and to fulfill his own dream of making movies.

Of course, if Media Asia Films develops well in the future, and even manages to break out of Asia and go global, then his father, Lin Wan'an, will definitely feel even more accomplished.

As Lin Haoran sat in the car on the way back, his gaze lingered on the mountain scenery rushing past the window, a faint smile involuntarily appearing on his lips.

The sense of accomplishment that allowed his father to find a new pursuit in his later years even surpassed the joy brought by the acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa.

After all, the initial stage was crucial in enabling him to build the vast empire he has today.

His father, Lin Wan'an, provided invaluable support and assistance.

Admittedly, if he were to start from scratch and strive to achieve something great using his status as a time traveler, it might not be difficult.

However, to accumulate such wealth in just over three years is undoubtedly a pipe dream and simply impossible.

After nearly an hour's drive, the car finally arrived at the Connaught Building from Shaw Studios in Tai Po Tsai, Clear Water Bay.

The Eastern Harbour Crossing, connecting East Coast Bay to Cha Kwo Ling in Kwun Tong, has not yet been built. Therefore, the only way to get from Clear Water Bay in Sai Kung to Central is via the Lion Rock Tunnel, which is indeed a long journey.

Lin Haoran rubbed his slightly sore neck and took the elevator directly to the 51st floor.

As soon as he sat down in his office, Ma Shimin knocked on the door and came in.

"Boss, you've come at just the right time! I was just about to look for you!" Ma Shimin pulled up a chair and sat down, then said with a smile.

"What can I do for you? How's the formation of the Galaxy Strategic Development Committee going?" Lin Haoran asked.

"The Galaxy Strategic Development Committee is progressing well, so there's nothing for you to worry about for now, Boss. I did come to you because I have something important to discuss with you." After saying this, Ma Shimin placed an invitation on the table.

"This is an invitation letter personally delivered by the person in charge of the mainland stationed in Hong Kong. He said it was sent from the north, inviting you to attend an economic symposium to be held in Beijing this month."

"And from what the person in charge said, I could tell they value you highly and hoped you would attend, as they had another important matter to discuss with you," Ma Shimin said solemnly.

Lin Haoran picked up the gold-embossed invitation. The red cover was printed with the national emblem. When he opened the inner pages, he saw the seals of several important ministries at the bottom.

His gaze sharpened slightly; this was an important signal.

He has been to the mainland several times, but each time he went to Guangdong Province, since it is right next to it and very close.

He has never been to the capital city.

Lin Haoran gently stroked the raised national emblem on the invitation, a ripple of emotion stirring within him.

This trip to Beijing is probably not just for attending a symposium.

Lin Haoran carefully put away the invitation and said, "Please reply to me and say that I will definitely attend on time. Also, prepare a proposal on economic cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland, highlighting our ideas on infrastructure construction and manufacturing upgrading."

Ma Shih-min nodded in understanding: "I understand. The key point is to demonstrate our sincerity in the development of the mainland."

Lin Haoran nodded.

Lin Haoran was not surprised by the invitation from the capital.

After all, he already knew in his heart that he couldn't escape this matter.

Putting aside other things, most of the Hong Kong business tycoons were invited to Beijing.

For example, Bao Yugang visited Beijing many times.

Today, he is even more powerful than Bao Yugang in the business world, and he is also investing heavily in Guangdong Province to support the economic reform and opening up of the mainland. It is no surprise that he received such an invitation.

“Boss, I heard this symposium is of a very high level,” Ma Shimin said in a low voice. “Besides economic issues, they may also discuss the future of Hong Kong. In addition to you, Mr. Bao, Mr. Huo, Mr. Li, Mr. Guo, and others are among those invited.”

Lin Haoran nodded slightly.

He certainly understood the significance of this time; Sino-British negotiations were underway, and the future of Hong Kong was a matter of great concern to all parties.

However, Lin Haoran does not intend to get too involved in politics.

He's just a businessman focused on economics; it's best for him to stay out of politics.

Lin Haoran pondered for a moment and said, "Prepare two documents. One is a proposal for economic cooperation, focusing on infrastructure construction and technology transfer. The other simply mentions our views on Hong Kong's stability; there's no need to delve too deeply into politics."

"Understood." Ma Shimin understood. "I'll go and make the preparations right away, ensuring that we show sincerity while maintaining an appropriate distance."

After Ma Shimin left, Lin Haoran stood alone in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.

Go to the capital.

Come to think of it, he had never been to the capital in his previous life.

Unexpectedly, in this life, I will be traveling to this ancient capital in the early 80s.

This is the capital city after all; it's impossible not to yearn for it.

Even if I don't settle down there, it would be good to go and see it.

He returned to his seat, picked up the invitation, and carefully examined every word on it.

The gold-embossed national emblem gleamed under the lights, and the names of several ministries at the bottom of the lettering further emphasized the significance of this invitation.

It turns out that, without realizing it, he had already reached this level.

Lin Haoran gently stroked the raised national emblem on the invitation, a strange feeling welling up in his heart.

More than three years ago, he had just transmigrated and become a scion of a low-level wealthy family in Hong Kong. At that time, he was still fighting wits and courage with his elder brother for the right of inheritance.

Unexpectedly, just over three years later, he received a formal invitation from the mainland, sitting at the same table with those well-known business tycoons. In fact, his status and treatment seemed to surpass those of his colleagues who went with him.

The embarrassing situation he was in when he was first reborn involuntarily came to mind. At that time, he was full of confusion in the face of the unknown future and took every step very carefully.

He also recalled the nervousness and unease he felt when he first met Bao Yugang. Facing this legendary figure in the business world, he could even clearly feel the cold sweat breaking out on his palms.

There was also the thrilling scene of the acquisition of Hongkong Land Group. Every negotiation and every decision was as dangerous as walking a tightrope, and the slightest carelessness could lead to complete failure.
I will never forget the exhilarating feeling of snatching Hutchison Whampoa from Li Ka-shing's jaws and successfully taking it over. It was a fierce battle with the business tycoon I knew best in my previous life.

Along the way, although he gained many advantages by being prescient, the hardships and pressure behind the scenes were like an invisible mountain, weighing heavily on his shoulders. Only he himself could truly understand the bitterness of it all.

"It seems it's time to go and see this ancient capital with a thousand-year history," Lin Haoran murmured to himself, a hint of anticipation on his lips.

(End of this chapter)