In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 773: An Unexpected Exposure Causes Public Favorability to Explode!
For Lin Haoran, this "benchmark" status is both a shining medal and an invisible constraint.

This means that he must be more cautious than others in every step he takes in the future.

In the game of business, one must make precise moves to maximize profits, while also keeping pace with the times and staying on track for overall social development.

He received extraordinary treatment and attention, and naturally he had to bear the pressure behind this honor, set an example, and face the various complex risks that came with it.

But Lin Haoran was not intimidated by this at all.

In his previous life, he was just an ordinary person struggling in the tides of life, swept along by the currents of the times.

In this life, fate has given him the opportunity to rewrite his destiny, and he now possesses the power to alter his own fate and even influence the course of the times to some extent.

Being able to closely integrate a business empire with the national development trend is itself a huge opportunity.

Lin Haoran recalled his deep conversations with older patriotic businessmen like Bao Yugang in Hong Kong. They were patriotic, but not very confident about the future of the mainland.

This is why Hong Kong business tycoons such as Pao Yu-kong and Li Ka-shing maintained a very cautious attitude towards investing in mainland China in the 80s.

They either donate directly or build non-core industries like hotels; very few actually invest heavily in real industries.

They prefer to invest their funds overseas or stick to Hong Kong's traditional strengths, such as real estate and ports.

But Lin Haoran is different.

He possesses memories of his past life and clearly knows how magnificent the development trajectory of the mainland will be over the next few decades.

The energy that this land is about to unleash far exceeds anyone's imagination at this moment.

Those who are still hesitating and watching now will only regret missing the best entry opportunity in the future.

Those established businessmen, while patriotic, were still more or less stuck in the past and harbored doubts about the depth and breadth of reforms in the mainland.

These thoughts are normal and understandable.

Lin Haoran's goal is not to add icing on the cake, but to provide timely help in times of need, betting on the future of the mainland with the most resolute attitude when it is most needed.

Lin Haoran's lips curled into a confident smile as he murmured, "So what if I'm a benchmark? So what if I'm a shackle? I'll take advantage of this opportunity to firmly plant my roots in this fertile soil."

His career development in Hong Kong has reached a bottleneck, making further breakthroughs extremely difficult, and his potential for advancement is almost saturated.

Therefore, what is most crucial for him now is to develop a strategic presence outside of Hong Kong.

Its network covers many regions including mainland China, Southeast Asia, Japan, Europe, and the Americas.

Among them, the mainland market is the core and key of his overall strategy, and it is of paramount importance!
After a full four hours of flight, Lin Haoran didn't feel tired, but he wasn't in a hurry to get to work.

After having lunch at the state guesthouse, he took a short rest for an hour to recharge.

In the afternoon, Lin Haoran, along with Liu Xiaoli, Li Weidong, Li Weiguo, and others, strolled together in Yuyuantan Park, west of the State Guesthouse.

The lake water shimmered, willows swayed along the banks, and everyone was relaxed and content.

Considering there was a welcome banquet in the evening, Lin Haoran did not go too far or wander around for too long.

Since we're new here, there's plenty of time to appreciate the charm of this city, so there's no need to rush.

In the evening, the government hosted a grand banquet at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse to welcome Lin Haoran and his entourage. The scene was very solemn and warm.

In this garden that embodies glory and tranquility, Lin Haoran spent his first night in the capital, a peaceful and unforgettable experience.

Lin Haoran slept soundly and comfortably that night.

The morning air at Fangfei Garden carries the crisp, clear air characteristic of late autumn in the north, seeping through the carved window lattices.

Lin Haoran stood by the window, gazing at the ancient trees and pavilions outside. The shock and contemplation he felt upon arriving last night had subsided.

Liu Xiaoli quietly brought over a cup of hot tea, her posture respectful, but her eyes couldn't hide her curiosity and amazement at everything in the state guesthouse.

Lin Haoran took the teacup and said with a smile, "There are no formal plans today. Staying in the room is just as boring as it gets. Why don't we go out for a walk?"

Liu Xiaoli was taken aback, then her heart skipped a beat: "Where do you want to go? I, I'm quite familiar with this area of ​​Beijing, I can lead the way."

Lin Haoran sipped his tea and looked out the window towards the distant horizon, where the vague outline of the old city of Beijing could be seen: "Let's not go to those famous historical sites for now, they're too conspicuous. It's morning now, let's find a really 'down-to-earth' place and try some of the everyday food that ordinary people eat."

The Diaoyutai State Guesthouse naturally arranged a sumptuous breakfast for Lin Haoran and his entourage, but he had no interest in eating these monotonous and exquisite meals.

Having finally found himself in Beijing in the early 80s, what he wanted to experience was the vibrant, lively atmosphere of the city's mornings.

"Down-to-earth?" Liu Xiaoli didn't fully grasp the weight of this word for a moment.

“Hmm,” Lin Haoran put down his teacup, a playful smile curving his lips, “For example, douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)? Luzhu huoshao (braised pork offal soup)? Find a lively alley and take a walk around.”

He recalled the legends about old Beijing snacks from his past life, and now that he was in 1981, it was the perfect time to savor the most authentic flavors.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xiaoli looked somewhat surprised and even a little embarrassed: "Douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)... that taste is very strong, and many people from other places can't get used to it, but Luzhu (stewed offal) is fine."

She thought to herself, "This Hong Kong tycoon, whose wealth is unimaginable, just finished enjoying state guest treatment, and now he's going to squeeze into a hutong to drink douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)?"
The contrast is too great.

"That's the taste I'm looking for." Lin Haoran said nonchalantly, "I've heard of it but never tried it. Today is a good day to see for myself. As for the braised pork, I'll just have it as a main dish."

Go and get ready, change into the most ordinary clothes, the more inconspicuous the better.” He specifically emphasized the last point.

Half an hour later, the two appeared on a quiet street near the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Before leaving, Lin Haoran declined the offer to be accompanied by government personnel.

Instead of wearing his elegant and high-end suit, he changed into a brand-new, well-fitting dark blue Zhongshan suit. The collar of the Zhongshan suit was slightly open, revealing a light gray thermal undershirt underneath.

He wore dark blue work pants with the cuffs carefully rolled up an inch, making him look neat and energetic, and black cloth shoes with multi-layered soles on his feet.

Liu Xiaoli changed out of her business suit and put on a maroon acrylic blend sweater with fine, thick stitches, which looked just right in the cool autumn air.

He wore a navy blue coat over his clothes. The coat was simple in style but perfectly ironed, a style that was very common in that era.

She wasn't wearing a scarf; a section of her white polyester shirt collar peeked out from her neck, giving her a clean and neat appearance.

Her hair was specially braided into two braids, but instead of hanging down her shoulders, it was neatly tied into a low ponytail at the back of her head for easy movement, and secured with the most ordinary black rubber band.

Walking on the streets of Beijing as autumn deepens, this outfit is neither eye-catching nor does it lack the refreshing and capable air of an intellectual youth.

Their attire at that moment was enough to blend into the capital city of that era.

In this era, safety in Beijing was not a concern.

However, Lin Haoran still made a point of having Li Weidong accompany him. He had also changed his appearance to completely blend into the Beijing of this era, so that Li Weidong could respond promptly in the event of an emergency.

Li Weiguo and his entourage followed slowly at a distance of ten or twenty meters from them in three ordinary black Beijing-plated sedans provided by the government, with the windows tightly closed.

Lin Haoran and his two companions changed buses twice and finally got off near the front gate.

The alleyways here are crisscrossed, and the lively atmosphere of everyday life is palpable.

The gray brick walls are mottled, and the narrow streets are lined with various small shops, selling cigarettes and alcohol, tailors, and breakfast stalls, all bustling with activity.

The air was filled with the smells of coal stoves, fried dough sticks, Chinese cabbage, and a unique, indescribable aroma that blended with the essence of daily life.

The bicycle bells rang crisply, and people dressed in blue and gray overalls came and went, occasionally punctuated by shouts in a strong Beijing accent.

Relying on her vague memory, Liu Xiaoli led Lin Haoran through a maze of twists and turns until they finally found their target at the entrance of a slightly wider alley.

A small shop with a greasy cloth signboard had several large pots at the entrance steaming with white vapor. The rich aroma of braised dishes, with its unique scent of offal and spices, filled the air, mixed with the signature sour fermented smell of the douzhi (fermented mung bean juice) stall next door.

A few simple wooden tables and benches were set up outside the shop, and many diners were already seated there.

“This is it, Mr. Lin,” Liu Xiaoli said softly. Looking at the greasy floor and the crowded environment, she was a little worried that Lin Haoran would not be used to it.

"That's good." Lin Haoran seemed quite interested and took the lead, walking over to find an empty table in the corner and sitting down.

Liu Xiaoli and Li Weidong quickly followed.

As for Li Weiguo and the others, they had already parked their car nearby, walked into the alley, and sat down nearby.

"Boss, three bowls of braised pork, three servings of baked buns, and three bowls of fermented mung bean juice," Lin Haoran called out as naturally as possible in Mandarin with a Cantonese accent.

That shout silenced the previously noisy stall for a moment.

The diners at several nearby tables instinctively looked over.

These days, it's a rare sight to find Hong Kong businessmen who come to eat braised pork offal and fermented mung bean juice!

In particular, although Lin Haoran's outfit was ordinary, his temperament and features were still somewhat out of place with the surrounding environment.

Liu Xiaoli is young and beautiful, which has attracted a lot of attention.

The boss was a lean, middle-aged man. He answered crisply, his gaze sweeping over Lin Haoran's face. He seemed to recognize him, but couldn't quite place who he was.

He deftly chopped the braised pork.

The steaming hot braised pork offal was served quickly. The rich broth was filled with small pieces of pork lung, pork intestines, and fried tofu. The baked buns, soaked in the broth, sank to the bottom of the bowl, and the aroma was irresistible.

It's served with cilantro and minced garlic.

Two bowls of grayish-green soy milk were steaming, their unique sour smell hitting his nostrils. Lin Haoran picked up his chopsticks, and without hesitation, took a piece of fatty intestine and put it in his mouth. After chewing a few times, he nodded: "Mmm, authentic! Cooked perfectly, full of flavor."

He stirred the soy milk with his chopsticks again, blew on it to cool it down, and then, under Liu Xiaoli's slightly frightened gaze, took a big gulp.

In that instant, a strong, sour smell, like swill, assaulted my senses!
Lin Haoran frowned sharply, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down a few times, barely managing to hold back from vomiting on the spot.

This flavor... is even more "powerful" than the legends say!
But he forced himself to swallow it, then let out a long breath and grinned: "Wow! That's powerful! It really refreshes the mind!"

He picked up the fried dough ring next to him, took a bite, and then peeled some pickled vegetable shreds. Only then did he feel that the tingling sensation had subsided considerably.

Liu Xiaoli stared in disbelief. She cautiously took a small sip of the fermented mung bean juice, but was immediately choked by the taste and covered her mouth, her face scrunched up, almost spitting it out, which drew good-natured laughter from the diners at the next table.

"Haha, young lady, first time trying this? This stuff is best enjoyed with fried dough rings and pickled vegetables, savored slowly!" An elderly man in faded blue overalls and a baseball cap chuckled, his gaze lingering on Lin Haoran. "Young man, you seem to be enjoying your meal. Are you from out of town? Judging from your accent, you're from the south?"

Lin Haoran smiled and nodded: "Yes, it's from the South. I've seen it in movies before, and I finally got to taste it today. It lives up to its reputation."

At this moment, another man dressed in a dark blue woolen Zhongshan suit, who looked like a cadre, put down his chopsticks and carefully examined Lin Haoran. The more he looked, the wider his eyes became. Suddenly, he exclaimed, "Oh my! You, you are the Mr. Lin from Hong Kong who was greeted by the honor guard at the airport on TV yesterday? Mr. Lin Haoran, the boss?"

That shout was like water being poured into a hot oil pan, instantly causing an explosion!

"What? Lin Haoran?"

"Is that the big boss who invested in building factories in mainland China?"

"That guy on TV? Wearing a suit, he looks so impressive! Is that really him? He doesn't look like him..."

"It really is him! Look at those eyes and that nose, there's no mistake! And the girl next to him looks just like that secretary from TV!"

The diners immediately crowded around, and even the stall owner forgot to cut the braised pork, craning his neck to watch.

Pedestrians who were passing by on the street stopped and looked over curiously.

The news spread like wildfire through the alleyways.

Lin Haoran was also somewhat surprised, not expecting to be recognized so quickly.

He had clearly dressed up to blend into the Beijing of that era and didn't want to be recognized.

When he was in Hong Kong, his fame was so great that he could hardly eat at these street food stalls like an ordinary person.

Therefore, after arriving in the capital, a city both unfamiliar and one he had longed for in his previous life, Lin Haoran had this idea.

Unexpectedly, I was recognized as soon as I started eating some snacks.

What Lin Haoran didn't know was that his arrival had already been reported in detail by television stations such as Beijing TV and CCTV.

In this day and age, the government is very determined to carry out reform and opening up.

Lin Haoran has long been established as a model of patriotic Hong Kong businessmen, and his image has been spread to thousands of households through television screens and newspapers.

"Come and see! The richest Chinese man from Hong Kong is eating braised pork and drinking soy milk at the entrance of our alley!"

More and more people gathered around, forming layers upon layers, completely surrounding the stall.

People chattered amongst themselves, their eyes filled with surprise, curiosity, and a hint of disbelief.

"Boss Lin, you really like our douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)?" The old worker's voice trembled slightly. He never imagined he would be able to sit and eat at the same stall as such an important person.

“Yes, Mr. Lin, many locals don’t like this stuff!” someone chimed in.

"Why would a big boss like you come to eat this in this alley?" Someone couldn't help but ask, expressing everyone's thoughts.

Lin Haoran put down his chopsticks, a gentle smile on his face, without any airs: "Food is the most important thing for people. When you come to the capital, of course you have to try the most authentic local snacks and experience the life of ordinary people."

This braised pork offal soup is rich and flavorful, truly delicious; as for this fermented mung bean juice…” He paused, then smiled honestly, “the taste is indeed very special. It was my first time drinking it, and I almost couldn’t handle it!”

But this is the food culture of old Beijing that has lasted for hundreds of years, and it is also a unique experience. Whether it tastes good or not is one thing, but when in Rome, do as the Romans do and respect the local culture and customs.

Besides, bosses are people too, they need to eat, right? He said in a relaxed tone, with a hint of self-deprecation.

His voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

In particular, the line "Bosses are people too, they need to eat" instantly bridged the gap between him and the onlookers.

"Well said!" someone led the applause.

"Boss Lin is truly different!"

"This is the kind of person who gets things done! So approachable!"

"I knew it! If someone can invest in our mainland, how could they be the kind of capitalists who look down on ordinary people?" the old worker said excitedly, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Lin Haoran.

The crowd was buzzing with discussion, filled with goodwill and affection.

Someone mustered up the courage to ask if they could shake hands, and Lin Haoran always smiled and obliged.

Liu Xiaoli stood nervously beside him, feeling the overwhelming enthusiasm around her, and deeply appreciated Lin Haoran's charm.

He doesn't need to deliberately display his wealth and power; his sincerity and gentleness alone are enough to win people's hearts.

Li Weidong's heart was in his throat. The crowd was getting denser and denser. He was worried that something might happen. Li Weiguo and the others also quickly and quietly moved closer, forming an inconspicuous human wall to protect Lin Haoran and Liu Xiaoli at the core, while vigilantly scanning their surroundings.

"Make way! Make way!" A young man wearing glasses, a camera around his neck, and a Zhongshan suit with four pockets squeezed in, panting.

He was a reporter for the Beijing Evening News. He was having breakfast nearby and planned to go to work at the newspaper office after finishing his meal.

Hearing passersby talking about "Lin Haoran eating douzhi in the alley," he immediately realized it was explosive news and rushed over.

He raised his camera and snapped photos of Lin Haoran shaking hands with an older woman, along with the half-finished bowl of soy milk and half-eaten braised pork in front of him. The flash went off, attracting everyone's attention.

"Mr. Lin! Mr. Lin! I'm a reporter from the Beijing Evening News!" the reporter exclaimed excitedly. "As one of Hong Kong's leading business tycoons, what made you think of experiencing everyday life at such a small stall? What's your opinion of douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)?"

Lin Haoran appeared calm and composed in front of the camera.

He pointed to the bowl on the table and said humorously, "It's a very unique experience, absolutely unforgettable! The culture of old Beijing is hidden in these alleys, and in these bowls of braised pork offal and fermented mung bean juice."

Investing in and building a factory is a collaboration, while enjoying local cuisine is an exchange; both are important. I hope to have more opportunities in the future, within the bounds of the rules, to travel around, see more of the world, and truly understand the lives of ordinary people.

He skillfully avoided potentially sensitive topics, focusing instead on cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The reporter excitedly took notes and snapped several close-up photos of the bowl of soy milk.

After lingering for another ten minutes or so, the crowd reluctantly made way for them, thanks to the bodyguards' signals and guidance.

Lin Haoran and Liu Xiaoli left the alleyway amidst the farewells and whispers of the crowd.

"Mr. Lin, you were really amazing just now!" Liu Xiaoli walked in the quiet alley, still feeling shaken but full of admiration. "So many people... you were not flustered at all, and the things you said were so pleasant to hear."

Lin Haoran smiled and patted the dust off his clothes: "Public sentiment is like water. Sometimes, a meal or a word can make people remember you and trust you more than any amount of money invested."

Let's go, let's wander around a bit more.

Soon, the reporter from the Beijing Evening News sent the article and photos back to the newspaper as quickly as possible.

Lin Haoran, a super-rich man from Hong Kong, sat at a greasy little table at the entrance of an alley, with a half-finished bowl of douzhi (fermented mung bean juice) and a bowl of braised pork offal in front of him, smiling as he shook hands with ordinary people in work clothes.

At that moment, the newspaper's editor-in-chief immediately realized that this was an absolute news sensation.

In the evening, the Beijing Evening News appeared in various parts of Beijing.

The front page featured a large photo accompanied by the eye-catching headline: "Hong Kong businessman Lin Haoran enjoys douzhi (fermented mung bean juice) in a hutong (alleyway); the super-rich man's approachable demeanor sparks heated discussion."

The report details how Lin Haoran traveled light and simply to sample authentic old Beijing snacks at a small shop in a hutong.

It particularly emphasizes the details of his "enduring the sour taste and calling it a unique experience," as well as his famous quotes such as "Bosses are also human and need to eat" and "Respect local culture and customs."

The report praised him for being "unpretentious," "truly integrated into the community," and "expressing respect for Beijing culture and friendliness towards ordinary people through practical actions," linking his approachable behavior to his large-scale investments and charitable donations in mainland China, thus shaping an image of a patriotic, pragmatic, and down-to-earth outstanding Hong Kong businessman.

The publication of this newspaper instantly caused an uproar throughout the entire capital!
In the streets and alleys, in factory workshops, and in government offices, people are eagerly passing it around and talking about it:

"See that? Mr. Lin, supposedly the richest Chinese person, is still sitting at the entrance of an alley drinking soy milk!"

"Hey, that taste is so strong! He actually drank it and even laughed, saying it was a unique experience! What a magnanimous attitude!"

"Exactly! He's so down-to-earth, he even shook hands with us workers! He's a hundred times better than those arrogant guys!"

"That's what a patriotic businessman looks like! He doesn't just invest money; he truly respects us ordinary people!"

"Yes, he invested in building factories, making money for our area, and even donated to schools. Now he's so approachable. He deserves to be rich!"

The fact that "super-rich man loves to eat douzhi" quickly became a popular topic of conversation among Beijing residents, and Lin Haoran's popularity skyrocketed.

He successfully shattered the stereotype that capitalists were "aloof, detached from the masses, and extravagant and pleasure-seeking," and in a vivid and down-to-earth way, he deeply imprinted his name in the hearts of ordinary people in Beijing.

The value of this genuine goodwill and recognition from the people cannot be measured by cold commercial data.

Looking at the photo of herself in the background of the newspaper, and feeling the discussions about Lin Haoran coming from the street outside, Liu Xiaoli felt an unprecedented sense of awe and admiration for this young boss.

She vaguely realized that by following this person, her life might truly offer unimaginable scenery.

(End of this chapter)