In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 777 The streets are deserted! Tens of thousands gather!
The main itinerary did not end immediately after the economic symposium.

On the morning of October 16, the government convened another meeting.

However, this meeting was different from the economic symposium the previous day; all the businessmen present were from Hong Kong.

For example, Lin Haoran, Bao Yugang, Li Jiacheng, Mr. Huo, Li Zhaoji, Zheng Yutong, etc., are all business tycoons in Hong Kong.

This meeting was naturally different from the previous day's discussion on economic development; the main focus of the discussion was the future of Hong Kong!
The meaning is simple: the mainland's determination to restore sovereignty over Hong Kong is unwavering.

Therefore, the mainland also needs the full support of these business tycoons from Hong Kong.

The meeting went very smoothly and harmoniously. Although everyone had slightly different positions and perspectives, they reached a high degree of consensus on the fundamental goal of upholding national interests and ensuring Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

Those who were invited must have already spoken with them privately, so there wouldn't be any objections.

The Chinese businesspeople present clearly expressed their support for the country's resumption of the exercise of sovereignty and put forward many excellent ideas.

After the meeting, the Beijing government also organized a group visit for these Chinese business tycoons to inspect the city's investment environment and development plans.

In the blink of an eye, another day has passed.

On October 17th, the autumn sky over Beijing was a clear, deep blue, and the warm sunshine dispelled the slight chill of the morning.

Inside the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Lin Haoran had just finished his morning exercise and was enjoying a delicious breakfast.

Liu Xiaoli took meticulous care of him, behaving with propriety.

After all, this is a state guesthouse, not an ordinary hotel. She has been careful with her words and actions these past few days, not daring to overstep any boundaries, and Lin Haoran has not had any impure thoughts either.

This is a state guesthouse; he wouldn't be in such a hurry.

The meetings with high-level officials and dealings with prominent Chinese businessmen over the past few days have been very fruitful, but have also been mentally and physically exhausting.

Now that the dust has settled, most of the invited business tycoons have left Beijing and returned to their respective territories to digest the gains from this trip and plan for the future.

For example, Guo Henian, Bao Yugang, Zheng Yutong, and others all returned this morning.

Having just lost control of Hutchison Whampoa, Li Ka-shing is now focusing his energy back on Cheung Kong Holdings, and yesterday afternoon he hurriedly took a plane back to Hong Kong to handle some business.

Lin Haoran, however, stayed.

Back in Hong Kong, with a group of capable lieutenants such as Simon Ma, Burton, Chen Shulin, and Cui Zilong in charge, and the Galaxy Strategic Development Committee already on track, he no longer needed to do everything personally.

More importantly, this was the first time in his entire life that he had truly set foot on this land that carries a rich history and boundless hope.

The blueprint for Wangfujing stirred his heart, but before that, he longed to feel the pulse of the city more deeply and touch its soul where the ancient and the modern intertwine.

He wanted to see the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the magnificence of the Great Wall, and the lively atmosphere of the hutongs, so he wasn't in a hurry to return to Hong Kong.

Lin Haoran originally planned to go to the Badaling Great Wall after having breakfast.

However, just as they were about to leave, an invitation was hurriedly delivered to him by a clerk.

This invitation was meticulously crafted, bearing the red seal of Peking University and the signature of its president.

The invitation came from the President's Office of Beijing University.

The invitation was written with respect and enthusiasm, stating that it was a long-standing admiration for Mr. Lin, whose business achievements and patriotism were respected by the world.

We earnestly request Mr. Lin to take time out of his busy schedule to give a lecture to the students majoring in National Economic Management at our school, "to share international perspectives and business wisdom, inspire future generations, and broaden their horizons."

Lin Haoran put down the invitation, a smile playing on his lips.

Beijing University, one of the most prestigious universities in China, brings together the country's most outstanding young minds.

To broaden their horizons?
This statement is interesting.

He speculated that this might not only be the school's intention, but also carried some kind of official expectation, to further infiltrate his influence as a "patriotic Hong Kong businessman model" into the future pillars of society.

Lin Haoran has now become a "benchmark" and "textbook" in a certain sense.

However, he does indeed have the qualifications now.

He is, after all, a well-known super-rich man, and he achieved such success at a young age.

In contrast, the mainland's economic development is just beginning. These privileged students in their ivory towers may have solid theoretical knowledge, but they lack a direct understanding of the ever-changing international capital markets and the subtleties of modern corporate management.

Furthermore, their limited access to information has resulted in them knowing very little about the world.

"Boss, would you like to accept the invitation?" Liu Xiaoli asked softly.

"Reply to them that I agree, and let's set the time for tomorrow afternoon," Lin Haoran instructed Liu Xiaoli, who was standing to the side.

Liu Xiaoli immediately agreed, a barely perceptible glint of excitement flashing in her eyes.

For her, being able to follow Mr. Lin into an academic institution like Peking University was also a rare experience and an honor.

After all, that's Beijing University, the top-ranked university in the entire mainland!
Born in mainland China, Liu Xiaoli grew up hearing the name of this prestigious university and deeply understands its sacred status in the hearts of countless Chinese people.

She was thrilled to be able to accompany her boss to that academic mecca and experience its rich cultural atmosphere.

"Yes, boss! I'll arrange it right away!" she replied crisply, turning around immediately to make the necessary contact.

Lin Haoran watched Liu Xiaoli's slightly excited back and smiled; he could understand her feelings.

Because in his previous life, as an ordinary citizen of the mainland, he also held a deep longing and respect for this century-old institution of higher learning.

That sense of identity, rooted in the cultural bloodline, transcends time and space.

Even if he becomes a Hong Konger in this life, his attachment to and identification with the cultural roots of his motherland has long been deeply ingrained in his soul.

Since Lin Haoran has scheduled the speech for tomorrow afternoon, today's schedule is unaffected and requires no changes.

After having breakfast at the state guesthouse, Lin Haoran and his entourage, led by a special envoy, traveled in a grand procession in Hongqi cars towards the Badaling Great Wall.

The autumn sun shone through the car window, casting warm dappled light.

As the convoy drove away from the city, the scenery outside the windows gradually changed from city buildings to open fields and rolling hills.

In late autumn, the northern mountains and fields are ablaze with color, a tapestry of reds, yellows, and greens, resembling a richly colored oil painting, exuding a vast and magnificent beauty.

Liu Xiaoli sat next to Lin Haoran, watching the scenery rushing past the window, her heart still unable to be completely at peace.

The experience in the hutong a few days ago, the top-level symposium the day before yesterday and yesterday, today's trip to the Great Wall, and the upcoming speech at Peking University tomorrow—all of this feels like a dream to her.

She secretly turned her head to glance at Lin Haoran beside her. He was also looking out the window, clearly interested in the view.

The convoy arrived at the foot of Badaling.

Because of prior arrangements, they were able to directly reach the best section of the tour via a special passage.

Late autumn is not the peak season for tourism, but today, despite the fine weather, there were still quite a few student groups coming to receive patriotic education, as well as a few foreign tourists.

When Lin Haoran stepped onto the thick, mottled bricks and truly stood atop the Great Wall, an indescribable sense of awe and excitement instantly swept through his entire body.

At this moment, he carries the memories of two lifetimes, and even more so, a heavy responsibility that he will soon be deeply involved in and influence the future of this land.

Looking into the distance, the city wall, like a giant dragon, winds and undulates along the mountainside, reaching all the way to the horizon. Its magnificence, its resilience, and its unwavering spirit that has withstood a thousand years of wind and rain strongly impacted his soul.

"He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true man..." He murmured the famous line of poetry, feeling the weight of history and stories etched into the bricks beneath his feet.

The mountain wind blew, fluttering the hem of his clothes, and seemed to blow away all the calculations and schemes that had been weighing on his mind for days.

He walked slowly forward, his fingers gently tracing the crenellations of the city wall, feeling their roughness and coldness.

The scene of ancient border guards fighting bloody battles here cannot help but come to mind, and I feel a spirit of perseverance that transcends time and space, bursting forth to protect their homeland.

"Boss, the view here is amazing." Liu Xiaoli followed behind, also amazed by the magnificent scenery, and sighed softly.

“Yes,” Lin Haoran took a deep breath of the crisp air, his gaze profound, “this is not just a city wall, but also the backbone and a symbol of the spirit of a nation.”

It tells us that no matter what difficulties and obstacles we face, as long as we are determined and have long-term goals, we can create incredible miracles.

His words seemed to be addressed to Liu Xiaoli, yet also to himself.

His business journey, his future endeavors in mainland China, and even the role he will play in the future of Hong Kong all require this spirit of "unity and perseverance".

The accompanying staff member provided timely introductions to the history of the Great Wall and related anecdotes, which Lin Haoran listened to attentively.

He was not merely sightseeing; rather, he was engaging in a profound dialogue with history, drawing upon it boundless strength and wisdom.

The group stayed on the Great Wall for nearly two hours.

In the afternoon, Lin Haoran, after returning to the city, made a special trip to Wangfujing Street.

After all, the mainland government has promised to entrust the renovation and upgrading of Wangfujing Street to his group, and even to entrust him with the investment promotion and operation management rights of the entire Wangfujing commercial pedestrian street after its renovation.

Therefore, he must come and see for himself, and measure this future "China's No. 1 Golden Street" that he will personally shape.

Having learned his lesson from being recognized in the alley last time, this time he made a special change of appearance before going out. He not only wore the popular clothes of the era, but also got a fake beard and wore a military cap.

Standing in front of the mirror, looking at his own appearance, Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction.

Even he himself almost didn't recognize himself.

When the convoy stopped near the south entrance of Wangfujing, Lin Haoran led Liu Xiaoli, Li Weidong, and several others on foot into Wangfujing Street.

Although he had been to the Beijing Hotel before, he had not made a point of strolling along Wangfujing Street next to the hotel. After finishing his business, he left.

Therefore, this was the first time he had seriously explored this famous street.

The scene before him was far removed from the bustling commercial street Lin Haoran remembered.

At this time, Wangfujing Street, although already a famous commercial district in Beijing, still looked old and had a strong planned economy flavor.

The streets are lined with old-fashioned buildings that are three or four stories high, and the shop windows display somewhat monotonous goods.

The famous Beijing Department Store was bustling with people, but most of them were dressed in blue, gray, and green.

Along the roadside, you can still see shops bearing the marks of the times, such as grocery stores, barbershops, and Xinhua bookstores. Some areas are still occupied by government offices, their dusty walls clashing with the surrounding environment. The air is filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes, mixed with a faint smell of coal smoke.

The constant ringing of bicycle bells, along with the occasional passing bus and jeep, created a typical scene of a commercial street in Beijing in the early 1980s.

"This department store can be transformed into a modern shopping center that integrates shopping, leisure, and entertainment, and introduces brands under the Hongkong Land Group, such as Wellcome supermarkets."

“That street-facing location could be transformed into a high-end commercial district with flagship stores, and the lighting and shop windows should be attractive enough.”

"This main street needs to be widened, paved with high-quality stone, and equipped with benches and artistic landscaping to become a comfortable pedestrian street."

"The land vacated after the relocation of government agencies is in prime locations, perfectly suited to become the core area of ​​the business district and a benchmark for leading the entire business district's upgrade..."

As Lin Haoran strolled along, he envisioned a magnificent future for Wangfujing in his mind.

He even went to the plot of land that was about to be assigned to his name and lingered there for a long time.

That is the site of the now-famous Oriental Plaza in Beijing.

In the blink of an eye, another day has passed.

The following afternoon, Lin Haoran changed into a well-tailored dark suit, which made him look both dignified and youthful.

Instead of riding in one of the conspicuous Hongqi state cars, he discreetly rode in an ordinary black sedan, driven by Li Weidong, with the commissioner sent to him from the mainland sitting in the passenger seat to give directions, and Liu Xiaoli accompanying him, as they headed to Beijing University.

As the car entered the ancient and solemn gate of Peking University, Lin Haoran gazed out the window at Weiming Lake, Boya Pagoda, and those historical buildings, feeling a surge of emotions.

In his previous life, he was just an ordinary person struggling to make a living. He never imagined that one day he would be able to stand on the podium of this top university.

Following the directions in the invitation, the car was parked in front of the teaching building of the Department of National Economic Management.

The principal, department head, and several professors were already waiting at the door and warmly greeted us.

After exchanging pleasantries, the principal and department head led Lin Haoran to the pre-arranged lecture hall.

However, as soon as they arrived at the entrance of the teaching building, the scene before them stunned Lin Haoran and the accompanying school leaders.

In the open space in front of the teaching building, a large, dark mass of people could be seen.

The students gathered in small groups, chatting animatedly, their faces filled with anticipation and excitement.

The corridor leading to the lecture hall was completely blocked.

The principal and department head's expressions changed slightly, and they quickly stepped forward to inquire about the situation.

"Principal, Director, I'm so sorry!" A young teaching assistant, sweating profusely, squeezed through the crowd. "We only notified students in our major as planned, but somehow the news spread, and now not only students from our department, but students from other majors have come here directly, all wanting to hear Comrade Lin's speech."

The lecture hall was already packed! Even the corridors were full of people; there was no way to get in!

The principal, department head, and several professors looked at each other, both surprised and at a loss for what to do.

They knew Lin Haoran was extremely famous in mainland China, but they didn't expect him to be this popular.

"Comrade Lin, what do you think of this..." The department head looked at Lin Haoran somewhat awkwardly.

Looking at the enthusiastic and eager young faces before him, Lin Haoran felt no displeasure, but rather a surge of pride.

He understands this yearning for success and for the unknown world.

He smiled slightly, his demeanor composed: "It's alright, the students' enthusiasm is a good thing. Since the classroom can't accommodate everyone, let's find another place?"

"Change locations?" The department head was taken aback.

“Yes,” Lin Haoran glanced around, “that small auditorium next door seems to be bigger?”

"A small auditorium?" The department head's eyes lit up, but then he hesitated. "A small auditorium is much larger than a lecture hall, but I'm afraid it won't be able to hold the surging crowd."

"Let's go take a look first," Lin Haoran suggested.

So the young teaching assistant hurriedly ran over to inform the students.

The group turned to the small auditorium next door.

However, when they arrived, they found the situation to be even more serious than they had imagined.

The entrance to the small auditorium was already crowded with students, and the auditorium was packed with people, with even the aisles and the back space filled with them.

Students kept arriving at the gate after hearing the news, and the scene almost got out of control.

The teachers and student leaders who were maintaining order almost lost their voices from shouting.

"There are at least two or three thousand people!" a professor exclaimed in a low voice.

The principal and department head were sweating profusely, their eyes filled with apology and helplessness as they looked at Lin Haoran: "Comrade Lin, we are truly sorry, it was our organizational work that was not done well."

"How about we reschedule? Or perhaps limit the number of people?"

This was indeed beyond everyone's expectations; no one expected Lin Haoran to be so popular at Beijing University.

Reschedule?

Limited number of participants?

Lin Haoran looked at the young faces who were standing on tiptoe, trying to peer into the auditorium, and at the light shining in their eyes, and shook his head.

When has Lin Haoran ever hesitated to do something?

Since the students were so enthusiastic, how could he possibly let them down?

He hesitated for a moment, then turned his gaze to the open space in the distance—the school's central playground.

The autumn sun shone on the green field, making it appear exceptionally spacious.

"Principal, I think we should move the lecture to the playground," Lin Haoran said with a smile, pointing to the playground.

"The playground?" The department head and several professors were dumbfounded.

Giving a speech on the playground?

This is probably the first time in the school's history!
“Yes, the playground.” Lin Haoran nodded affirmatively. “It’s a big place with good air quality. Since so many students want to hear it, let’s all come and listen.”

Could the school please arrange for sound equipment as soon as possible?

Looking at Lin Haoran's calm and composed expression, and then at the growing number of students gathered around him, the principal gritted his teeth and said, "Alright! We'll do as Comrade Lin says! I'll contact the school office and logistics department right away!"

The news spread like wildfire.

"Have you heard? Comrade Lin Haoran is going to give a speech on the main playground!"

"Really? Anyone can listen to it?"

"Hurry up! Let's get a good spot!"

The entire university in Beijing was instantly in an uproar.

Those who were originally studying in the classroom, reading in the library, resting in the dormitory, or exercising on the sports field...

Countless students dropped what they were doing and surged toward the central playground like a tidal wave.

Faculty and staff also flocked to the playground upon hearing the news. Many professors, lecturers, administrative staff, and even the cafeteria chefs and dormitory supervisors couldn't contain their curiosity and gathered there.

Accompanied by the principal, department head, and others, Lin Haoran arrived first at the rostrum on the playground.

He stood on the stage, looking out into the distance.

The once empty playground was being filled at a visible speed.

Students flocked in from all directions, like rivers flowing into the sea.

They were running or walking briskly, their faces beaming with excitement and anticipation.

On the green lawn, a "carpet" of young figures quickly spread out and continued to expand.

The area in front of the stage was quickly packed with people, while those behind continued to extend to the sides and back.

The school's broadcasting station urgently brought in its most powerful outdoor sound equipment, and the staff worked diligently to test it.

The department head, holding a megaphone, shouted himself hoarse trying to maintain order, urging everyone to remain quiet and sit on the floor.

Time passed by minute by minute.

Below the platform, the crowd grew larger and larger, a dense, dark mass that stretched as far as the eye could see.

The noise and discussions merged into a huge wave of sound, echoing across the playground.

Everyone's eyes were focused on the tall figure on the podium.

Finally, the school official, covered in sweat, ran to the principal, his voice filled with disbelief: "Principal, according to preliminary statistics, the number of people present has exceeded ten thousand!"
There are at least eight thousand students and over two thousand faculty and staff!

The streets were deserted!

Tens of thousands gathered!

It's important to know that the entire student body of Beijing University is only 8415, including 6923 undergraduates, 650 master's students, 193 international students, as well as other types of students such as associate degree students, correspondence students, and evening students.

As for faculty and staff, there are a total of 2926 people.

In other words, most of the teachers and students of the entire Beijing University have come to this playground!
Even though Lin Haoran was used to grand occasions, standing on the platform and looking down at the "ocean" of more than 10,000 pairs of eyes filled with curiosity and admiration, he couldn't help but feel a strong sense of awe and pride.

This is Peking University! This is the passion of young people in this era!
He was idolized and high hopes were placed on him.

He took a deep breath, and the crisp autumn air filled his lungs.

He straightened his suit, walked steadily to the center of the stage, and stood in front of the microphone.

The moment he stood still, the once noisy playground, as if boiling water, seemed to be silenced.

(End of this chapter)