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Chapter 776 A Super Gift from the Mainland to Lin Haoran!

The lively discussion at the symposium gradually subsided after the leader announced the end of the meeting.

The Chinese business tycoons, still buzzing with excitement, gathered in small groups, whispering about the awe-inspiring impact of Lin Haoran's groundbreaking declaration and his grand three-year blueprint.

One billion dollars!

This is not only an astronomical figure, but also a weighty expression of confidence in the reform and opening up of the mainland, directly shattering the long-standing stalemate of observation that had shrouded the meeting.

Seeing that the meeting had ended, Lin Haoran got up from his chair, intending to leave.

At this moment, Mr. Huo, who was several seats away from him, stepped forward, gently patted Lin Haoran on the shoulder, and said with admiration and emotion: "Mr. Lin, what a spirit! The three points you just mentioned, 'momentum,' 'people,' and 'field,' are truly insightful and to the point, and have a truly enlightening effect!"

Hearing this, Bao Yugang was also slightly moved, and said with a touch of self-deprecating humor, "Haoran, if we old guys don't keep up with your insightful opinion, we'll really fall behind!"

This pressure is really weighing on our shoulders!

Lin Haoran smiled modestly, his tone calm and sincere: "Uncle Bao, Mr. Huo, you are too kind. We Chinese share the same roots and should work together to achieve common development."

I am merely offering a starting point, contributing my meager efforts, hoping only to add to the edification of China.

Upon hearing this, Guo Henian couldn't help but sigh: "Haoran, now that you mention it, I regret my words. I was too cautious in my speech at the meeting just now."

If I had another chance to speak, I would definitely use a more positive approach.

Guo Henan, always meticulous in his thinking, naturally understood that the symposium just now was an excellent opportunity to express his position to the mainland government.

Unfortunately, the opportunity was fleeting and would not come again. At this moment, his words inevitably revealed a hint of regret, as well as a touch of probing.

Li Jiacheng, who was not far away, twitched his lips, but ultimately remained silent.

After all, although the two sides have now made peace, they were fighting to the death not long ago, and he was the one who suffered the most losses, so there is still some resentment in his heart.

Just then, the composed director of the State Planning Commission, who was presiding over the meeting, strode over with a smile that was even warmer and more approachable than before.

"Mr. Lin, please wait!" His words were earnest. "Although the meeting has ended, there are still some specific matters I would like to discuss with you privately. Is this a convenient time for you?"

This invitation carries a subtle undertone.

After all, the meeting had just ended, and more than twenty prominent Chinese business leaders were still lingering in the conference hall.

Therefore, as soon as the leader finished speaking, everyone's eyes were instantly focused on Lin Haoran, their faces filled with surprise.

The fact that Lin Haoran was invited to stay at this particular juncture is quite intriguing!

Under the watchful eyes of many Hong Kong businessmen who had not yet completely left, Lin Haoran was left alone, the implication of which is self-evident—this young Hong Kong business leader has already won the highest level of recognition and favor from the mainland government.

This is truly a unique honor!

Lin Haoran understood, but showed no sign of it on his face, nodding slightly: "You're too kind, sir. It's convenient anytime."

He turned to greet Bao Yugang, Guo Henian and Mr. Huo, saying, "Uncle Bao, Uncle Guo, Mr. Huo, I will speak with you three later."

Bao, Huo, and Guo were all shrewd people, and naturally understood the significance of this. They smiled and nodded, "Haoran, you go ahead with your business. We'll wait for you."

The leader led Lin Haoran to a more private small meeting room at the back of the venue.

The door closed, shutting out the noise from the outside world.

The reception room was simply furnished with only a sofa and two single coffee tables, exuding a sense of official formality.

"Mr. Lin, please have a seat." The leader personally poured Lin Haoran a cup of hot tea, adopting a very humble posture. "You deserve immense credit for today's symposium!"

Your commitment to an additional investment of one billion US dollars, along with your insightful analysis, has truly stirred up a storm, shattering any lingering doubts in everyone's hearts.

The leader was very pleased and appreciative after hearing the report. On behalf of the mainland, I thank you for your strong support!

Lin Haoran accepted the teacup with both hands, his posture respectful yet composed: "You flatter me, leader. As a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, I am very pleased to see the mainland's determination to reform and open up, and to strive for prosperity. I have only done my duty as a Chinese businessman, and I also very much hope that the mainland can improve its economy."

Moreover, for me, the mainland market has unlimited potential, abundant talent, and a constantly improving policy environment. Investing in the mainland is investing in the future; this is an obvious trend, and I am simply following it.

Leader Wang exclaimed in admiration: "What a brilliant 'going with the flow'! But Mr. Lin, you are the first to be able to see this 'flow' clearly and dare to make such a heavy bet at this crucial moment!"
The nation has seen and appreciated this trust and determination.

Having laid the groundwork, the leader shifted the focus, getting to the main point with a more serious tone:
"Mr. Lin, you mentioned at the symposium that your group's investment plan is comprehensive and multi-faceted."

In our previous communications, we learned that you intend to invest in and build the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Beijing as one of your important investments in mainland China.

This is excellent! High-end, international hotels are exactly the kind of supporting facilities we urgently need for our reform and opening up, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing our international image.

He sat upright, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Haoran:
"To express our gratitude for your firm support for national development and your pioneering commitment to substantial investment, and also to set an example for other foreign investors who are optimistic about the mainland, after careful consideration by our leadership, we are prepared to grant you a special policy pilot program!"

Lin Haoran put down his teacup, his expression focused, and he had already vaguely guessed the direction.

"We have decided," Leader Wang said clearly, word by word, "to grant your Mandarin Oriental Hotels, Peninsula Hotels, and other brands the right to operate wholly foreign-owned hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and even more developed cities in the future!"

It allows you to independently choose the site, construct, and manage the hotel, without being bound by current policies restricting the proportion of foreign-invested hotels to domestic joint ventures!

Even though Lin Haoran was mentally prepared, he was still very surprised when he heard the words "wholly foreign-owned enterprise management rights"!

This was almost the biggest policy barrier to foreign investment in the hotel industry in the early 80s!

Although people like Bao Yugang and Guo Henian have invested in hotels in mainland China, they are actually required to form joint ventures with state-owned enterprises in mainland China. Foreign companies are not allowed to operate wholly foreign-owned enterprises, and the proportion of foreign ownership is strictly limited.

For example, the Shangri-La Hotel under Guo Henian's umbrella in Hangzhou has to cooperate with the local government, and its management is subject to interference from the mainland.

Want to be a sole proprietor? No way.

Breaking this barrier means that Mandarin Oriental's development in mainland China will have unparalleled flexibility and control, allowing it to directly and completely introduce its globally unified high-standard service and management model without being constrained by the ideological conflicts or inefficiencies of its joint venture partners.

The value of this gift far exceeds the money itself; it represents a groundbreaking policy endorsement and privilege!
Most importantly, you can choose your own location!

As a time traveler, he naturally knew which places in first-tier inland cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou had the best future development prospects. Choosing a location now would allow him to secure prime locations for decades to come at a very low cost!

It's easy to imagine that decades from now, the value of these land parcels alone will be very high!
"This..." Lin Haoran timely displayed just the right amount of surprise and caution, "Leader, the scale of this policy breakthrough far exceeds my expectations! Thank you to the country and the leaders for their trust!"

This cleared away the biggest institutional obstacle for the development of my Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula Hotels, and other hotels in mainland China!

Seeing Lin Haoran's surprised yet composed reaction, the leader was even more satisfied and continued, "This is only one aspect. We know that the location of a wholly-owned hotel is of paramount importance."

As the capital city, Beijing is of paramount importance, and we understand that you are very optimistic about the commercial value of the Wangfujing area.

He picked up an internal document and pointed to the planning map on it: "Coincidentally, the city of Beijing recently came up with a planning concept for the commercial service industry in the city. We plan to gradually relocate government agencies such as the People's Daily and the China Writers Association from Wangfujing, with the aim of paving the way for its transformation into a modern commercial street in the future."

This plan is for the medium to long term; it's currently just a concept. If it develops according to the normal plan, it may not be implemented until the mid-1980s or even the early 1990s.

However, since Mr. Lin intends to increase investment in the mainland, and this upgrade and renovation project is large-scale and demanding, requiring world-class experience in commercial real estate development and operation.

Leader Wang looked at Lin Haoran again: "The leaders unanimously believe that it would be most appropriate to move the implementation time of this plan forward and have you and your Land Group or other groups undertake the overall renovation and upgrading project of Wangfujing Street!"

We will grant your team the exclusive right to renovate, attract tenants, and operate the entire Wangfujing commercial pedestrian street through a franchise agreement. Furthermore, we will provide core support for the renovation project and further assistance to you…

He pointed to a prime area on the planning map, located east of the south entrance of Wangfujing and adjacent to Chang'an Avenue, which is the future most valuable piece of land:
"This land will be provided to you as supporting land for the construction of the Mandarin Oriental Beijing Hotel and the Beijing Headquarters Building, and will be given priority to you with the most favorable terms! You are allowed to carry out overall development according to your own plans!"

Priority right to acquire land in the core area of ​​Wangfujing!
In addition, the rights to renovate and operate the entire street!

This substantial reward instantly elevates the previously sole-owned hotel operating rights to an order of magnitude!

This means that Lin Haoran not only obtained a top-tier hotel project, but also gained the right to participate in shaping the future core business district of Beijing and huge profits!

The value of this land in the future is simply immeasurable!

What he has now acquired is not just a piece of land, but the mining rights to a super gold mine that produces a continuous stream of gold!

Although Wangfujing Street is now worthless, and even the supply of goods still bears traces of the planned economy, furniture can only be purchased with ration coupons, and cabbage is supplied by the truckload in winter.

But so what?

It will be several years before the renovation of Wangfujing Street is completed.

At that time, the mainland will be in a completely different state.

More importantly, Lin Haoran values ​​not the current Wangfujing Street, but the future Wangfujing Street!

The benefits this could generate annually in the future are unimaginable!
Lin Haoran looked at the document on the table, the top of which read "1981 Beijing Commercial Service Industry Planning Proposal".

He opened it and, sure enough, there was a simple planning map inside, as well as a proposal to expand the commercial area and gradually vacate government offices such as the People's Daily and the China Writers Association in Wangfujing, paving the way for commercial transformation.

Furthermore, state-owned department stores should promote the "bringing factories into stores" initiative to foster brand awareness.

He flipped through some of the later parts of the document. The plan was quite thick, but Lin Haoran could tell that it was not yet complete, and the planning concept had obviously only come out recently.

Lin Haoran took a deep breath. Even with his two lifetimes and unwavering will, he was still moved by this weighty "national gift".

The level of trust and gratitude he received far exceeded any of his previous expectations.

This was not merely a matter of commercial interest, but also a symbol of political status. He stood up, his expression extremely solemn, and bowed slightly to the leader of the State Planning Commission:
"Leadership, the trust and support that the nation has given to Haoran is as heavy as a mountain! Haoran is unworthy of this generous gift and feels an even greater sense of responsibility!"

Haoran will dedicate all its efforts to the Mandarin Oriental and Peninsula Hotel projects in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as the Wangfujing renovation project, to ensure they are developed to the highest international standards and become benchmark projects showcasing the achievements of China's reform and opening up, enhancing the cities' international image, and serving international exchanges! We will never fail the trust placed in us by the nation!

His statement, rather than being overly modest in declining, was a solemn acceptance of the heavy responsibility, which made the leader of the State Planning Commission even more reassured and appreciative.

"Good! Mr. Lin is straightforward and responsible!" The leader also stood up and extended his hand to shake hands tightly with Lin Haoran.

"We will arrange for a dedicated person to work with your team as soon as possible to provide you with the specific implementation details and contract text."

Regarding the overall plan and land details for the Wangfujing renovation, the staff of the Municipal Planning Bureau and the Land and Resources Bureau will provide detailed information as soon as possible. If you have any needs, please feel free to raise them, and we will do our best to coordinate and resolve them.

This 'pilot' policy reflects the nation's appreciation for its staunch supporters; therefore, we urge you to ensure its implementation is prudent, efficient, and to the highest standards!

"Definitely!" Lin Haoran said very solemnly. "Please rest assured, leader, Haoran will certainly live up to your expectations!"

As Lin Haoran stepped out of the small meeting room, he felt his steps were more steady and powerful.

This time, his statement did not disappoint him, and he received the reward he deserved.

Liu Xiaoli and Li Weidong, who were waiting in the corridor, immediately came to greet them.

Liu Xiaoli keenly sensed that Lin Haoran's restrained yet powerful aura seemed to have increased to another level, and his eyes held an indescribable light of control over the future.

She was deeply shaken, knowing that the brief private conversation she had just had must have determined some earth-shattering changes in the landscape.

"Boss?" Li Weidong asked in a low voice.

"Yes, to the Beijing Hotel." Lin Haoran's words were concise, but the certainty in his tone and a hint of barely perceptible excitement made Liu Xiaoli's heart leap with joy.

She followed cautiously half a step behind Lin Haoran, like a royal attendant.

As they walked out of the Great Hall of the People, the reporters waiting outside had already been cleared out, and only a few Hongqi sedans with special passes were quietly parked at the bottom of the steps.

Once in the car heading to the Beijing Hotel, Lin Haoran leaned back in the seat, closed his eyes to rest, and rapidly began to think.

With the acquisition of wholly foreign-owned hotel operating rights, Mandarin Oriental's fast track to development in mainland China has been fully opened!
The Wangfujing core plot is a true prime piece of land, and its value will increase exponentially over the next few decades!
As far as I can remember, in my previous life, the renovation of Wangfujing officially began in 1992, which is about ten years later.

There may have been plans, but none of them were ever implemented.

Unexpectedly, in this life, because of his appearance, this process was accelerated by a full ten years!
Lin Haoran tapped his fingers lightly on his knee.

What does a ten-year time difference mean?
This means he can establish a presence in the most prime location of Wangfujing at extremely low cost, and that he will become the true shaper of this future "Number One Street in China".

Not to mention, the commercial interests and political influence hidden behind the rights to renovate and operate the entire street go far beyond the realm of mere money.

The right to renovate and operate the entire street not only brings huge development profits and long-term rental income, but also gives you control over a top-tier business district!
The combined strategic value of these three privileges far exceeds the billion-dollar investment commitment.

That was the right move!
He needed to immediately notify Simon Murray in Hong Kong to send Hongkong Land's top commercial real estate planning and hotel development team to Beijing as quickly as possible!
Through this symposium and subsequent feedback, he has secured an absolute first-mover advantage and core resources in the grand scheme of the mainland market!
The distance between the Great Hall of the People and the Beijing Hotel was only about 1.5 kilometers. In addition, there weren't many cars at that time, so the Hongqi car arrived at the Beijing Hotel in no time.

The car smoothly drove into the parking lot of the Beijing Hotel.

As Lin Haoran got out of the car and walked into the lobby of the Beijing Hotel, he saw Bao Yugang, Guo Henian, and Mr. Huo sitting in the lobby's rest area, clearly waiting for him.

After all, this was something everyone had agreed upon beforehand.

"Haoran, you've finally arrived!" Bao Yugang greeted him with a smile. "The leaders of the State Planning Commission must have something great to tell you, right? Want the three of us old folks to hear it?"

Guo Henian and Mr. Huo also cast inquiring glances their way.

"Let's go inside and talk. This isn't a good place to talk!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

The lobby is always bustling with people, so it's definitely not a suitable place for conversation.

The group nodded, and Guo Henian said, "Then let's talk in my room. My room is on the second floor, not far from here!"

So, Lin Haoran left Liu Xiaoli and the bodyguards to wait for him in the lobby, and the group went together to the suite where Guo Henian was staying.

The suite had two bedrooms and a living room, and the group sat down on the sofa in the living room.

"Haoran, can you tell us now?" Bao Yugang asked impatiently.

All three of them focused their attention on Lin Haoran.

Lin Haoran smiled slightly, not hiding anything, since they would find out about these things sooner or later.

Most importantly, Lin Haoran also guessed that the mainland government's generous reward to him was not only to thank him for being the first to express his support, but also to encourage other Chinese businessmen to increase their investment.

“The three uncles are all on our side, so I won’t hide anything from you.” Lin Haoran’s tone was calm, but the content was earth-shattering: “The leaders did give me some important policy support.”

He first put forward the first point: "The Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the Peninsula Hotel have obtained wholly foreign-owned operating rights in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou."

"What? Sole proprietorship?" Guo Henian was the first to be speechless. His Shangri-La had been negotiating a joint venture with Hangzhou three years ago. Although the cooperation had gone smoothly, he was well aware of the limitations involved. "This... this is the first time ever!"

Mr. Huo's eyes flashed with a sharp light, which didn't surprise him, because he had long been fully committed to supporting the economic development of the mainland, unlike other Chinese businessmen.

Bao Yugang took a deep breath and slowly uttered two words: "Amazing."

They were all business tycoons, and they immediately understood the value of this policy.

This means that Lin Haoran can have complete control over the hotel's operations without having to share profits and decision-making power with mainland partners, thus maintaining the brand's authenticity.

This is a treatment they haven't been able to receive yet!

"Not only that," Lin Haoran continued, dropping a second bombshell, "I have plans to build Mandarin Oriental hotels in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities. In Beijing, the leadership has specially approved a prime plot of land on the east side of the south entrance of Wangfujing, adjacent to Chang'an Avenue, as the site for the hotel's construction."

"The east side of the south entrance of Wangfujing?" Bao Yugang couldn't sit still this time either; he knew all too well the value of that piece of land.

It's important to know that Wangfujing intersects with Chang'an Avenue and has always been the most important commercial street in Beijing.

For example, the Jingcheng Hotel where they are now is located at the south entrance of Wangfujing. This is equivalent to giving the land opposite the Jingcheng Hotel to Lin Haoran!
If the mainland can truly develop, it will inevitably become the commercial heart of Beijing in the future!
At that moment, a complex mix of envy and jealousy welled up in their hearts.

This piece of land, without a doubt, is a piece of land that money can't buy; it's not something that money can simply buy.

The mainland government has been incredibly generous this time!
In reality, in another parallel world, this piece of land was eventually acquired by Li Ka-shing's CK Asset Holdings after 1994.

After acquiring this prime piece of land, Cheung Kong Holdings transformed it into the renowned Oriental Plaza in Beijing.

After the completion of Oriental Plaza, in just 20 years, CK Asset Holdings Limited accumulated approximately 700 billion yuan in funds through rental income and capital operations, making a staggering profit.

Moreover, Oriental Plaza holds a special status.

It is the only super high-rise building complex on Chang'an Avenue. Its planning broke through the 45-meter height restriction policy in the old city of Beijing and received special approval and support from the Beijing Municipal Government.

Now, this piece of land, whose value is immeasurable, has been "snatched" by Lin Haoran ahead of time!

Once he successfully acquires this land, his future plans will go far beyond simply opening a Mandarin Oriental Hotel. He could even create a super commercial complex here!

However, Lin Haoran's next words left these three seasoned business tycoons speechless for a moment.

"At the same time, the government decided to grant the franchise rights for the overall renovation and upgrading of Wangfujing Street, as well as its investment promotion and operation, to my real estate group."

The room fell into a deathly silence.

The overall renovation and operation rights of Wangfujing Street!

This goes beyond the scope of a simple commercial project; it is an opportunity to participate in shaping the history of the capital's core business district, and the political significance and long-term economic benefits it contains are immeasurable!
Guo Henian opened his mouth, and after a long while, he said in a hoarse voice, "Haoran, this is no longer an ordinary business cooperation."

Mr. Huo let out a long sigh, looking at Lin Haoran with a complex expression, a mixture of envy and a solemn reassessment: "The younger generation is truly formidable, indeed!"
Lin Sheng, your ten billion dollars has created a whole new world!

Bao Yugang, having weathered many storms, was the first to recover from the shock. He shook his head with a wry smile: "Now I completely understand. Haoran, this time you not only placed a heavy bet, but you also precisely timed the moment when the country needed you most."

That kind of boldness and vision is something we old folks can't even dream of!

He meant it sincerely.

Although they were also optimistic about the mainland, their investment scale and approach were indeed conservative and fragmented compared to Lin Haoran's comprehensive, multi-field, and benchmark-setting investments.

Lin Haoran took in the reactions of the three men and knew that the time was right. He smiled modestly and said, "Uncles, you flatter me. The trust and support that the mainland government has given me is partly an affirmation of my sincerity in taking the lead."

On the other hand, I believe this also serves to show all Chinese and foreign businesspeople who care about their motherland that as long as they sincerely invest and contribute to development, the country will never let them down!

His words not only clarified the reason for his special treatment, but also cleverly appeased any potential imbalance among the three bigwigs, and steered the conversation to a broader level.

"That's right!" Mr. Huo was the first to react, slamming his hand on the sofa armrest. "The country is setting an example, telling us that reform and opening up is for real! As long as we are willing to show sincerity and take action, the future is limitless!"

Guo Henan's eyes also flickered, clearly indicating that he was beginning to reassess his investment strategy in mainland China.

Can Shangri-La also secure more favorable terms?

Should we increase our presence in core cities?

(End of this chapter)