In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 778 A Lesson for Peking University Students
Lin Haoran stood on the makeshift platform erected on the playground of Beijing University and took a deep breath.

Before me stretched a vast, dark sea of ​​people, seemingly endless.

The early autumn afternoon sun shone down, casting a golden glow on more than ten thousand young and inquisitive faces.

The windows of the teaching buildings, the walls, and even the trees along the edge of the playground were crowded with teachers and students who had rushed over after hearing the news.

The air was thick with anticipation and excitement. The murmur of thousands gathered together created a strange, unsettling silence, as if awaiting the powerful voice of an era.

The principal, standing to the side, sighed and said in a low voice, "Comrade Lin, this is truly unprecedented."

This invitation was requested by a professor majoring in national economic management, with the aim of enabling students to learn more about international perspectives and business wisdom, inspiring future generations and broadening their horizons.

At that time, neither the School of Economics nor the School of Business had been established at Beijing University; there was only one Department of Economics.

Even the major of National Economic Management was only officially established last year, in 1980.

The establishment of this major marks a further expansion of Beijing University's expertise in the field of economics, meeting the national demand for professional talent in economic development.

After all, the purpose of reform and opening up was to develop the economy.

Lin Haoran was a big shot in the economic field and not much older than the students. The professors felt that since Lin Haoran was in Beijing, they couldn't miss such a good opportunity.

Therefore, he directly asked the president of Beijing University to extend an invitation to Lin Haoran.

After learning about Lin Haoran's activities in Beijing and his outstanding achievements in the economic field, the principal also thought this was a rare opportunity, so he readily agreed and personally issued an invitation letter.

Unexpectedly, the news spread like wildfire, attracting unprecedented attention. The originally planned small-scale lecture had to be moved to the playground.

Today, this small-scale lecture has evolved into a grand event that draws huge crowds.

Lin Haoran's gaze swept across the entire room, a calm smile playing on his lips.

He took the makeshift megaphone handed to him by the staff. The playground was too big, and the equipment that had been temporarily brought in had limited power, but this only made it more challenging for the speaker to have the presence and penetrating power.

"Students and teachers," his voice came through the loudspeaker, not loud, but exceptionally clear and steady, instantly silencing all the whispers.

"The original plan was to have a heart-to-heart talk with everyone in the lecture hall, but I never expected that the enthusiasm of the students of Peking University would be so high, turning this small space into a sea of ​​thousands of people!"
This reminds me of an old saying: "Peach and plum trees do not speak, yet a path is formed beneath them."

The grand occasion we are witnessing today is not due to any extraordinary ability of me, Lin Haoran, but rather to your enthusiasm for knowledge and for the future of our country!
Thanks to the school's timely decision, we are able to freely discuss a brighter future in this vast environment!

His opening remarks, just a few words, instantly won over the entire audience.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience and lasted for a long time.

After the applause subsided, Lin Haoran changed the subject and his tone became more friendly: "A few days ago, when I first arrived in Beijing, the first thing I did was not to go to the Great Hall of the People or Tiananmen Square, but to venture deep into the alleys and find the most ordinary snack stall to try the authentic douzhi (fermented mung bean juice) and luzhu (stewed offal)."

Good-natured laughter rang out from the audience.

A Hong Kong tycoon with a net worth of hundreds of millions and who enjoys state guest treatment made his first stop at a hutong snack stall!

This was reported by the Beijing Evening News a few days ago, and it became a hot topic of discussion throughout Beijing.

"The taste is very unique. To be honest, I still remember the sour and rancid smell of the fermented mung bean juice."

Lin Haoran's candid words drew even louder laughter. "But why do I want to go? Because I want to understand the most authentic mainland, to understand the pulse of life of the most ordinary people on this land."

Investing is not just about cold numbers and grand plans; it requires love for this land, respect for its culture, and understanding of its people!
Without understanding the true nature of mainland China, even the most ambitious investment plans are likely just castles in the air.

He paused, then continued, "And the real mainland is currently in the midst of an unprecedented great era! This great era is—reform and opening up!"

"I come from Hong Kong, a small place, but because it is backed by the motherland and faces the world, it has seized historical opportunities and achieved today's prosperity."

Today, this spring breeze has swept across the land! Dear students, how fortunate you are to have been born at such a time! This is not an era that you need to 'create,' but an era that you need to 'grasp' and 'lead'!

The tide of reform and opening up is surging forward, and those who follow it will prosper! It is not merely a policy shift, but a clarion call for national rejuvenation, a mission entrusted to our generation by history!

The whole audience was silent.

The students' eyes shone brightly, as if Lin Haoran's words had ignited a flame within them.

"So, where are the opportunities in this era? And what are the challenges?" Lin Haoran asked the core question, his voice firm and resolute.

"The opportunity lies in the infinite possibilities contained in this vast land! In the world's largest single consumer market in the future, comprised of over one billion people! In the boundless creativity unleashed by the hardworking and intelligent Chinese people!"

If reform and opening up proceed smoothly, the mainland will become a fertile ground that any investor dreams of!

He then changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "However, opportunities often go hand in hand with challenges."

Currently, the mainland has relatively weak infrastructure, and bottlenecks in transportation, energy, and communication are restricting the speed of development.

The talent pool, especially high-end talent with an international perspective and mastery of cutting-edge technology and management experience, is far from meeting the needs of future development.
The development and improvement of market economy rules and regulations also take time, and these are challenges we must face squarely.

"But!" Lin Haoran's voice became impassioned again, "I want to tell you all, this is precisely the 'best of times'! Because challenges mean blank spaces, and blank spaces mean opportunities!"

It is precisely because of these shortcomings that we, including all of you proud sons and daughters here today, need to explore, build, and improve!

A perfect market often means saturated opportunities, while a growing and vibrant market is the cradle of giants!

Applause erupted again like a tidal wave.

Lin Haoran's precise analysis and passionate pronouncements gave the students a clear picture and made them feel a heavy responsibility.

"Speaking of talent," Lin Haoran's gaze swept across the young faces below the stage, "this is precisely what I most want to discuss with you all today: the competition between nations, in the final analysis, is the competition for talent!"
What has enabled me, Lin Haoran, to achieve what I have today? Is it luck? Perhaps a little, but more importantly, I am very clear about the power of 'human beings'!

"I integrate global FMCG brands by bringing together top global brand management and marketing talent."

I established a production base in Guangdong Province and promoted "Made in China" to the world, relying on tens of thousands of highly skilled and hardworking industrial workers and an excellent management team.
The foundation I built in Hong Kong also relied on elites with an international perspective and a deep understanding of business management!

He cited each example with resounding conviction: "Without talent, even the best blueprint is just empty talk! That's why, when I was in Shenzhen, I promised to donate one hundred schools to the mainland every year!"

Why? Because I deeply understand that education is the cornerstone of cultivating talent! I hope that among the students graduating from these schools in the future, we will see the emergence of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who will lead the trends of our time! They are the true future of our nation!

"Students! You are students of Peking University, the best among your peers, and the pillars of the nation's future!"

Today, you are absorbing knowledge in the ivory tower not only for your own bright future, but also to shoulder the heavy responsibility of national rejuvenation!
To master skills and broaden horizons, one must not only delve into academic studies in a down-to-earth manner, but also keep a global perspective and pay attention to current affairs.

When you step out of the school gates and throw yourselves into this great tide of construction, your personal struggles will be inextricably linked to the growth of your enterprises, the prosperity of your nation, and the rejuvenation of your people—they will become one!

This discourse on talent and responsibility deeply resonated with every student present.

Many people felt their blood boil upon hearing these words.

"When it comes to the growth of an enterprise," Lin Haoran changed his tone and continued, "it cannot be separated from the tempering of practical experience and the sublimation of one's vision."

You may not know this, but it has been less than four years since I graduated from university. After graduation, I returned to Hong Kong. Although my family was well-off at the time, my father could only provide very limited help.

Therefore, during this year, I have experienced countless business competitions, including those with renowned top companies such as Jardine Matheson and Huafeng Bank.

As everyone wished, I won. With each victory in a business battle, my strength increases. This is the tempering of business!

The business world is like a battlefield; book theories alone are far from enough. My victories in business battles stem from my accurate judgment of market trends and my boldness to "swallow an elephant."

Lin Haoran told these people this because he knew that some very powerful figures would definitely emerge from among them in the future.

Therefore, he left a deep impression on these people, and even planted a seed in their hearts, which may reap unexpected rewards in the future.

This is not just an investment, but a strategic move.

He raised his head slightly and said seriously, "To run a business, one must have the ambition to soar like an eagle, but also the spirit of being down-to-earth."

Therefore, I'd like to share a saying with everyone: "Standing at the forefront of the times, even pigs can fly, but only eagles can soar through the skies!"

"Wow!" This vivid and philosophical quote instantly ignited the entire audience!
Applause, cheers, and exclamations resounded through the sky and lingered for a long time.

The students excitedly exchanged ideas, their eyes filled with admiration for the business tycoon and boundless aspirations for the future.

He paused slightly, as if carefully choosing his words, then added in an almost certain tone: "Perhaps in the near future, we will see China become a veritable 'world factory,' and 'Made in China' will no longer be synonymous with cheapness, but a symbol of quality and innovation; the value of this land beneath our feet will increase exponentially with the development of the country; and a brand-new connection method based on information networks will completely break down geographical limitations and reshape business models and social structures..."

These words are like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake!

The audience, especially the teachers and students majoring in economics, management, computer science and other related fields, all showed expressions of shock, and some were even lost in their own fantasies!
Lin Haoran's vision of the future is bold and specific, logically clear, highly persuasive, and far surpasses current mainstream understanding.

Several elderly professors in the front row exchanged glances, unable to hide their astonishment and admiration.

This is no longer a simple business prediction, but a strategic insight that is almost prophetic!

Liu Xiaoli stood to the side and behind the podium and witnessed the entire soul-stirring speech.

Watching Lin Haoran speak with ease and confidence under the spotlight, quoting classics and analyzing the future, captivating everyone, her heart felt as if it had been tightly gripped by an invisible hand, then suddenly released, filled with indescribable shock, admiration, and pride.

The sunlight outlined his tall and straight figure, and his voice seemed to possess a magical power, captivating her completely.

She had never realized so clearly what a dazzling existence she was following!

This is not just about wealth and power, but a powerful force that transcends time and leads trends!

Lin Haoran's personal charm has been deeply etched in Liu Xiaoli's heart.

“Of course,” Lin Haoran stopped at the right moment and smiled, “the future is full of variables. These are just my personal opinions for your reference.”

The key is whether we are prepared to embrace this future full of endless possibilities!

The atmosphere had reached its peak by this point in the speech.

Lin Haoran said at the right moment, "Time is limited, but I really hope to communicate with everyone. Now, I am willing to answer a few questions."

As soon as he finished speaking, arms shot up like a forest from the audience, their enthusiasm soaring.

A bespectacled, composed young man was chosen. He took the microphone from the staff and spoke in a loud voice: "Hello, Mr. Lin! I am an economics student."

You mentioned the future technological revolution and globalization, but given the current weak technological foundation in mainland China and the uncertain international environment, how do you think it is possible for economically underdeveloped countries like ours to avoid being marginalized in this wave, and even to achieve transcendence?

The problem is sharp and significant, directly addressing the core contradiction.

The entire room fell silent instantly, everyone holding their breath, waiting for Lin Haoran's answer.

Lin Haoran nodded approvingly: "Good question! This touches on a key aspect of development."

After a moment's thought, he said loudly, "First of all, we must face up to the gap, but not underestimate ourselves. It is a fact that our technological foundation is weak, but the wisdom of the Chinese nation is never inferior to anyone else's!"

The key is how to maximize our strengths!

"First, leverage the market advantage! A unified market of one billion people is the best testing ground and a breakthrough point for any technological product to realize its commercial value! Huge demand will drive innovation and attract global resources!"

Second, leverage our institutional advantages! By concentrating our resources on major tasks, we can achieve breakthroughs in key areas and core technologies by mobilizing the entire nation's strength!
Third, and most importantly, leverage your talent! He looked at the questioner, "Outstanding students like you are the key to future breakthroughs!"

Go learn, go study, go innovate! At the same time, embrace the world with an open mind, introduce, digest, absorb, and then innovate again!

Remember, globalization is not one-way; we must not only "bring in" foreign investment, but also bravely "go out"!
Exchange market access for technology, promote development through cooperation, and plan for the future through innovation!
I believe that, given time, China will not only not be marginalized, but will become a crucial pole, and even a leader, in global technological and industrial transformation!

"Bravo!!" A deafening roar of cheers and applause erupted from the audience! The boy who asked the question was so excited that his face turned red, and he clapped his hands vigorously.

The professors nodded frequently, their eyes full of approval.

Next, a young female teacher was selected. She smiled and asked, "Mr. Lin, your success is admirable, but we also know that the road to entrepreneurship is full of hardships."

Could you share a story about the difficulties you encountered and overcame during the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey? Could it offer some inspiration to students about to enter the workforce?

This question is more down-to-earth and has resonated widely.

Today, the mainland is in the early stages of reform and opening up, and the policy environment is gradually being relaxed, providing a broad stage for entrepreneurs.

The government encourages entrepreneurship and has introduced a series of support policies, such as tax breaks and financial assistance, which have lowered the barriers to entrepreneurship and provided a favorable policy environment for entrepreneurs.

However, only a few dare to try.

Basically, those who dared to start their own businesses in the early 80s often became key forces driving the wheels of time forward.

These people can be considered elites from the mainland, and after they graduate, many of them will surely be willing to start their own businesses.

Therefore, this young teacher raised a very relevant question on behalf of these students.

Lin Haoran smiled, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes: "Difficulties? Of course there are. I don't know if everyone has heard of it, but I own a cement plant company called Qingzhou Yingni. Back then, this company ranked among the top 30 listed companies in Hong Kong and was also a British-owned enterprise with a high reputation in Hong Kong."

At the time, I was just a young man who had recently entered the workforce, with very little capital at my disposal. I remember when I wanted to acquire this company, people said I was "dreaming" and that "a snake trying to swallow an elephant is doomed to die."

At that time, I wasn't the only one who had my eye on Ying Ni in Qingzhou. I even learned that the famous Hong Kong real estate tycoon, Mr. Li Jiacheng, had also taken a liking to the company. Just how much pressure was I under?
At that time, I was utterly unqualified to be compared to Mr. Li Ka-shing, and even my family was far inferior to the Li family. One night, I stood alone atop a high-rise building, overlooking the myriad lights of Hong Kong, and asked myself: Should I give up?

He paused for a moment, and the entire room fell silent, captivated by the entrepreneurial story.

“But I didn’t!” Lin Haoran’s voice suddenly rose as he continued, “Because I firmly believe that as long as the direction is right and the method is appropriate, there is no obstacle that cannot be overcome! In the end, I succeeded!”

This story tells me, and I hope it tells you all: difficulties are the norm on the road to entrepreneurship, but what is more important than difficulties is the belief in your heart and the actions you take!

Once you've made up your mind, stick to it firmly, paving the way through mountains and building bridges over rivers! Success often lies in that final push!

This story is a mix of truth and fiction. In fact, his acquisition of Ching Chau Ying Ni went relatively smoothly. He used his shares in Wharf Holdings to get Paul Chung to step in and persuade Li Ka-shing to give up his covetousness for Ching Chau Ying Ni.

However, the reason he embellished it slightly was simply to make the story more relevant and insightful.

After all, while the real entrepreneurial journey may not involve such dramatic external conflicts, it is certainly not easy.

The simple yet powerful story instantly ignited the passion and fighting spirit of the students at Peking University!
Applause and cheers resounded across the playground once again!

Lin Haoran raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet; his figure appeared exceptionally tall in the sunlight.

He took a deep breath, and his voice, amplified by the loudspeaker, clearly resonated throughout every corner of the playground:
"Students! Teachers! This is an era that needs heroes and will surely produce heroes! But this 'hero' does not refer to any one person, but to each and every one of you here, to the millions of Chinese sons and daughters who have fought for this land!"

Arm your minds with knowledge, innovate with wisdom, nurture your ideals with sweat, and shoulder your responsibilities!

"Today, I stand here to encourage you all: let us integrate our personal dreams into the development of our enterprises, into the prosperity of our nation, and ultimately forge the glory of our nation!"

"There will be times when the wind and waves are strong, but we will set sail and cross the vast ocean! The future of China is in your hands! Thank you all!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell into a brief, profound silence.

Then~
"Wow!"

A thunderous applause erupted!

Like rolling thunder, it lasts a long time!
More than 10,000 people spontaneously stood up and applauded vigorously. Many were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes, and they didn't even realize that their hands were red from clapping!
Shouts of "Teacher Lin!" and "Well said!" echoed throughout the room.

The entire sports field of Beijing University has become an ocean of passion and conviction!
The speech ended, but the crowd lingered for a long time.

Students surged toward the stage, hoping to get up close to this intellectually stimulating business leader, even if it was just to ask a question or shake hands.

The scene became somewhat crowded at one point.

Thanks to the school security guards' swift response and the school leaders' loud reprimands, order was gradually restored to the scene.

The principal and school leaders were equally excited.

The principal gripped Lin Haoran's hand tightly: "Mr. Lin! Hearing your words is worth more than ten years of study! No, it's worth more than ten years of teaching!"

You have given our students the most vivid and profound lesson! The entire faculty and student body of Kyoto University thank you!

A white-haired, venerable economist from mainland China stepped forward with trembling steps, deeply moved: "The younger generation is truly formidable! The younger generation is indeed formidable! Mr. Lin's words today, with their grand vision, far-reaching perspective, and profound analysis, have made this old man ashamed!"

It is fortunate that there are entrepreneurs like Mr. Lin among the Chinese community! It is fortunate that students can hear such a speech!

(End of this chapter)