In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 780 A God-Sent Opportunity, Shanghai Stock Market Panics!

“Mr. Lin, we actually have another request.” At this moment, a vice principal sitting next to the principal spoke up.

"Please speak," Lin Haoran said, looking at the other person with a puzzled expression.

He hadn't expected that the other party would have other requests.

"After the establishment of the Hengsheng School of Economics at Beijing University, we would like to invite Mr. Lin to serve as the honorary dean of the school, and we would also like to request that Mr. Lin be granted the title of honorary professor at our Beijing University."

We know that Mr. Lin has a very large career and is very busy. It is already very rare that he was able to take the time to come to Beijing this time. Moreover, the help that Mr. Lin has given us this time is so great that we dare not hope that Mr. Lin will be able to give lectures to students of Beijing University in the future.

However, we sincerely hope that Mr. Lin will accept this honorary academic title.

The vice-principal continued sincerely, "This is not only a recognition of your personal knowledge and vision, but also a symbol that closely links you with Beijing University and Hengsheng School of Economics."

We hope that when the faculty and students of the school mention "Hengsheng School of Economics," they will not only think of the strong support from Hengsheng Group, but also of you, the visionary honorary dean and honorary professor of Peking University.

Whether it's an honorary dean or an honorary professor, it is itself an intangible incentive and benchmark.

This request was handled with exceptional tact.

It no longer involves specific teaching obligations, but focuses on honor and symbolic meaning, expressing the school's highest level of respect while fully understanding Lin Haoran's actual situation.

Like Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba in Lin Haoran's previous life, who was appointed as an honorary professor at Hong Kong University.

As for the honorary dean, that's even easier to understand.

Lin Haoran proposed that Beijing University establish an economics school, and Beijing University happens to have such a need. If this opportunity can be used to completely bind Beijing University and Lin Haoran together, it will not be a loss for Beijing University!

Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

This request was indeed somewhat unexpected for him.

Honorary Dean and Honorary Professor are not just two titles; they are olive branches extended by the most prestigious universities in the country, representing the highest recognition and sincerity.

It has more closely tied itself to the fate of this century-old prestigious school.

He quickly weighed the options in his mind.

Accepting it means taking on a responsibility. Even though the school has stated that it does not require him to teach any specific courses, the word "honor" itself carries a heavy expectation. His future words and actions will, to some extent, be linked to the reputation of Peking University.

However, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

This is not only an affirmation of his personal contributions, but also a way to give "Hengsheng Group" a dazzling golden coat with profound academic heritage.

From now on, graduates of the School of Economics at Peking University will still have to respectfully address him as "Dean Lin" or "Professor Lin."

The thought flashed through Lin Haoran's mind, bringing a strange feeling.

This is not merely an accumulation of identities, but a qualitative change in social roles and influence.

From then on, his image in the public eye will no longer be just that of a successful businessman and a generous donor, but also that of a wise man with the halo of a "teacher" who has been recognized by the national academic hall.

This intangible asset is of immeasurable value to him personally and to the future of Hengsheng Group.

After thinking things through, Lin Haoran didn't hesitate much this time.

He smiled and replied gently, "President, you flatter me. It is a great honor for me to receive such kindness from Beijing University and be granted the titles of Honorary Dean and Honorary Professor."

I accept this honor. Although I may not be able to teach as frequently as a full-time professor, I promise to continue to pay attention to the development of the college. At key junctures and important events, time permitting, I will do my best to participate and share my observations, thoughts, and reflections with faculty and students.

Upon hearing Lin Haoran's affirmative reply, the school leaders all showed smiles of relief and satisfaction.

What they want is this "status" and this "connection".

With this identity, Lin Haoran's connection with Peking University became more institutionalized and formalized, transcending the simple relationship between donor and collaborator, and making him a highly respected member of the Peking University academic community.

This has an immeasurable effect on enhancing the college's reputation and attractiveness.

"That's wonderful! Mr. Lin, thank you!" the principal said happily. "We look forward to Hengsheng School of Economics creating a new chapter under your guidance as Honorary Dean and Honorary Professor!"

With this, all key issues have been successfully resolved.

Funding, faculty, naming rights, honorary titles...

A series of cooperation frameworks have been clearly established.

The meeting concluded in a warm and hopeful atmosphere.

The school tried hard to persuade Lin Haoran to stay for dinner, but he declined, saying he already had other plans.

As I left the administration building, night had fallen, and the campus was dotted with lights.

As Liu Xiaoli sat in the car waiting in front of the building, she looked at Lin Haoran, who was resting with his eyes closed beside her, and her heart was filled with indescribable excitement and admiration.

Beijing University is a prestigious institution of higher learning that all young people in mainland China aspire to attend, including her.

However, for her back then, entering this university for further studies was an unattainable dream.

At this moment, the young boss beside her not only had the school's senior management accompany him with great respect due to his substantial capital, but also, in the midst of their lively conversation, the century-old university invited him into the sacred hall of academia with the highest honors of "honorary dean" and "honorary professor".

This is no longer just a symbol of wealth; it is the ultimate embodiment of status, prestige, and influence.

She witnessed firsthand how Lin Haoran, through his words and huge donations, spearheaded the birth of a brand-new college at Beijing University, and how he cleverly declined the highest honor of having his name named after him, instead deeply imprinting the "Hengsheng" brand on this prestigious institution of learning.

This vision, wisdom, and skill elevated her admiration for Lin Haoran to a new level.

The car drove away from Beijing University and disappeared into the night sky of Beijing.

Lin Haoran gazed at the capital city outside the window, a deep smile playing on his lips.

Investing in education and sowing the seeds for the future can be considered a strategic move.

The long-term value and brand effect brought by the association of Heng Sheng's name with Beijing University far exceed HK$100 million.

This is not just a business consideration, but also carries a subtle sense of nostalgia.

In that era of information explosion, he deeply appreciated the immense power contained in knowledge and the prestige of top universities.

Today, he is no longer an ordinary person who looks up at the ivory tower of academia, but someone who can shape it and even guide its development to a certain extent.

The sense of satisfaction and control that comes from this role transition is incomparable to the mere accumulation of wealth.

Lin Haoran lingered in the capital for another two days.

During these two days, he waited for Ma Shimin and a senior executive from Hengsheng Group to arrive.

Both of them brought a team with them.

After all, both Landmark Group and Hengsheng Group will need to connect with Beijing next.

In particular, Hongkong Land Group shoulders two major responsibilities in this northward expansion:

First, we participated in the highly symbolic project of renovating the entire Wangfujing Street;
Secondly, it facilitated the acquisition of wholly foreign-owned hotel operating rights in mainland China for its Mandarin Oriental Hotels.

Both of these tasks are extremely challenging, involving very high levels of expertise, and require repeated communication and negotiation with multiple key departments.

Therefore, the first time, Ma Shimin, the head of the Group, needs to come in person so that he can make the subsequent arrangements.

As for Hengsheng Group, the curtain has already been raised on its cooperation with Peking University to establish the "Hengsheng School of Economics".

Lin Haoran's titles of Honorary Dean and Professor not only add a rich academic veneer to Hengsheng Group, but also plant a towering tree for future talent reserves.

April 20th, morning.

The tranquil luxury of the Fangfei Garden at the State Guesthouse allowed me to relax after days of travel.

Lin Haoran stood by the window, gazing at the meticulously maintained Chinese garden outside, pondering the entire process of his trip to Beijing.

The trip to Beijing proved to be far more valuable than I had anticipated.

The exceptionally high level of courtesy he received in mainland China solidified his leading position among Chinese businessmen.

The super package of Wangfujing renovation and sole operation of the hotel opened the floodgates for him to tap into the core commercial real estate and high-end service industries in mainland China;
The in-depth cooperation with Peking University has planted the seeds of Hengsheng in the hearts of future elites and in the high ground of knowledge.

The harvest was so plentiful that it would satisfy any business tycoon.

I arrived in Beijing on October 11th, and today is the 20th. It has been a full ten days, and it's time to head back.

Just as he was packing his bags, preparing to take his private plane back to Hong Kong early the next morning, a staff member at the State Guesthouse respectfully announced: "Mr. Lin, a specialist from the State Commission for Restructuring the Economic System has come to visit."

Lin Haoran raised his eyebrows slightly.

A personal visit at this time must indicate that there is something important to discuss.

He immediately said, "Please come in quickly!"

At the same time, he gestured to Liu Xiaoli to prepare for the reception, straightened his clothes, and put on a warm smile.

A moment later, the commissioner entered the reception room, led by a staff member.

“Mr. Lin, I’m sorry to disturb your rest. I know you’re about to return to Hong Kong, but there are some things I feel are better discussed with you in person.” The man sat down, accepted the tea offered by Liu Xiaoli, and spoke gently.

"You're too kind. It's an honor to have you come in person despite your busy schedule. Please speak." Lin Haoran was humble, but inwardly he was very curious about what the other party wanted to see him about.

The other person put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and got straight to the point: "It's like this, Mr. Lin's trip and statements in Beijing this time have greatly promoted our work, and the higher-ups are very satisfied."

In particular, your assertions on 'momentum,' 'people,' and 'field,' as well as your advocacy of 'getting involved personally,' have had a profound impact.

You mentioned increasing investment in multiple sectors, which has made many places uneasy.

He paused, observing Lin Haoran's expression, and continued, "Just yesterday, comrades from Shanghai, through official channels, expressed a very sincere and urgent wish to us—they earnestly hope that Mr. Lin can take some time to visit Shanghai and provide guidance before leaving the mainland." In fact, besides Shanghai, many other provinces were also eager to do the same.

However, considering that we have only recently started reform and opening up, it is best to prioritize the development of areas with geographical advantages. It is definitely not feasible to rush into comprehensive development.

Therefore, the official response ultimately only mentioned the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Lin Haoran stirred slightly, and an overwhelming sense of joy instantly swept through his heart.

But he quickly suppressed it with his strong self-control, and his face only showed a moderate surprise and a thoughtful expression.

Shanghai Stock Exchange!

The future economic, financial, trade, and shipping center of China, a super metropolis of the East!

In the early stages of reform and opening up, this pearl of the Far East was still the leader of the domestic economy, but compared to its future global influence and radiating influence, it was undoubtedly still in the early stages of development.

He knew that in the future, Pudong would be filled with skyscrapers rising from the ground, the Bund's collection of international buildings would be revitalized, and it would become the most active stage for capital.

In his grand business empire, the Shanghai Stock Exchange is an indispensable core piece.

However, unlike his investments in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan in Guangdong Province, he has not yet formally entered the Shanghai market, despite his desire to do so, due to considerations of timing and policy implications.

He needs an opportunity, an opportunity that will allow the Shanghai Stock Exchange to extend an olive branch and offer more favorable policies.

Now, this opportunity has come so quickly, with the Shanghai Stock Exchange taking the initiative to make the request!

This was like a pillow being delivered to someone who was sleepy; it was a godsend.

"Shanghai?" Lin Haoran feigned a moment of hesitation, his brows furrowing slightly as if weighing the itinerary. "I have indeed long admired Shanghai, a leading city at the forefront of reform and opening up. It's just that the timing..."

He naturally couldn't appear too eager, as if he could change his plans at any moment.

Appropriate reserve is a necessary posture for maintaining one's status and increasing bargaining power.

Things that are too easily obtained are often not cherished.

This principle also applies to business negotiations and even higher-level interactions.

Moreover, investing in the mainland is driven not only by personal feelings towards the mainland but also by self-interest.

These two are not inherently conflicting; rather, they complement each other.

Only by achieving a win-win situation can cooperation last and the overall strategy be stable.

One-sided efforts are certainly not sustainable.

He must let the mainland know that his investment, Lin Haoran's investment, is a strategic commitment made with sincerity and foresight, rather than a speculative act of simply pursuing short-term gains.

This commissioner was no ordinary person; seeing that Lin Haoran did not refuse outright, he immediately sensed a softening in the situation.

So he added with a smile, "Mr. Lin, rest assured, the comrades in Shanghai said that everything will be done according to your time and convenience, and they will be waiting for you at any time. Moreover, the higher-ups also have high hopes for the potential of Shanghai."

It not only has a solid foundation and a wealth of talent, but it is also our bridgehead to the Pacific Ocean and the world.

Mr. Lin's business in the south is thriving. If he could apply his successful experience, substantial capital, and unwavering confidence in the country's development to the fertile ground of Shanghai, it would be a perfect match and complement each other perfectly!

This also provides important support for the national strategy of coordinated regional development.

These words have made the "purpose self-evident" quite clear.

The Shanghai Stock Exchange is in a panic.

Seeing the enormous gifts and reputation Lin Haoran received in Beijing, and especially seeing his publicly promised billion-dollar investment pie, with no further activity outside of Guangdong Province and Beijing, this "patriotic Hong Kong business leader" with vast capital and forward-thinking vision naturally became a key figure that Shanghai urgently needed to win over.

The local government's initiative means that Lin Haoran will be in a more advantageous position at the negotiating table, and may gain unexpected benefits in terms of land use, tax incentives, industry access, and even special policy support like that for Wangfujing.

“You flatter me. I dare not accept the title of ‘guidance’. As someone who is optimistic about the future of the mainland and determined to grow together with it, it is only natural for me to understand the Shanghai market and seek cooperation opportunities.”

The hesitation on Lin Haoran's face finally disappeared, replaced by a hearty and firm smile: "Since the Shanghai Municipal Government is so hospitable, and you have personally conveyed the message, it would be ungrateful of me to refuse again."

Guangdong Province is a pioneer of reform and opening up, while Shanghai is the leader of future take-off. When investing in our motherland, how can we favor one over the other?

Please inform my colleagues in Shanghai that I have accepted the invitation and will immediately adjust my travel plans to fly to Shanghai today!

"Great! Excellent!" The other party was overjoyed upon hearing this, slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his smile widening. "Mr. Lin is indeed decisive and has the big picture in mind! I will immediately notify the Shanghai authorities to make preparations for receiving you."

I'm confident your trip to Shanghai will be very fruitful!

After seeing off the satisfied commissioner from the Economic System Reform Office, Lin Haoran turned around, his eyes gleaming.

He immediately gave Liu Xiaoli instructions: "Notify the crew that the destination has been changed to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Apply for a flight route immediately, the sooner the better."

"Yes, Mr. Lin!" Liu Xiaoli looked at Lin Haoran with admiration in her eyes and answered crisply.

Even though she didn't understand business, she knew that Lin Haoran's unwavering agreement represented a tremendous opportunity that was hard for ordinary people to imagine.

Moving to Shanghai signifies that the boss's investment footprint in mainland China will further expand into the core areas of the mainland economy.

Just two hours later, Lin Haoran's private Gulfstream jet roared into the sky from Beijing Capital International Airport, cutting through the clear autumn blue sky of the capital and heading southeast toward Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient that was about to embark on an extraordinary destiny.

Inside the cabin, Lin Haoran did not close his eyes to rest as usual.

Looking out the porthole at the gradually blurring North China Plain below, his thoughts drifted to the banks of the Huangpu River.

Fragments of memories about Shanghai from past lives and present lives churned in my mind: the tolling bells of the Bund, the bustling Nanjing Road, the miracle of the barren land in Pudong, the skyscraper forest of Lujiazui...

He knew that although Shanghai at this time had a profound historical heritage and industrial foundation, its urban landscape was far superior to that of later generations.

The infrastructure is backward, Puxi is crowded, and Pudong is mostly farmland and low-rise houses.

However, it is precisely beneath this seemingly "backward" scene that lies a tremendous energy capable of transforming the world.

He could have seized this window of opportunity presented by the government's invitation to become one of the early key participants or even shapers of Shanghai's future brilliant blueprint.

“Xiaoli,” Lin Haoran suddenly spoke.

"Mr. Lin, what are your instructions?" Liu Xiaoli said respectfully, sitting opposite Lin Haoran.

Although she was originally just a dancer, taking on this 'personal secretary' role was only a temporary decision.

Having spent a long time by Lin Haoran's side, she has gradually adapted to the role and demonstrated amazing learning and adaptability.

“Shanghai is different from Beijing. Beijing is the political and cultural center, while our foundation is still shallow. We need to act with humility and caution, focusing on building a good image and establishing high-level connections.”

The Shanghai Stock Exchange is a fertile ground for business, a melting pot of all sorts, with many opportunities but also great risks. As my 'personal secretary,' you need to be even more astute, remember your position, and be cautious in your words and actions, but don't be overly reserved. When it's time to demonstrate our capabilities, let them flow naturally.

“Yes! I understand, Mr. Lin. I will always keep your teachings in mind, and I will observe more, listen more, think more, and speak less.” Liu Xiaoli nodded solemnly, engraving every word of Lin Haoran in her heart.

Even if the secretary position is only temporary, she hopes to perform well.

The flight time is much shorter than that from Beijing to Hong Kong.

As the plane began its descent, through the porthole, one could already see the winding Huangpu River and the scattered urban areas along the west bank.

Unlike the solemn and orderly layout of Beijing, Shanghai's outline appears more compact and vibrant. The Suzhou Creek flows into the Huangpu River, dividing the bustling Puxi area into the relatively tranquil Pudong area.

This reminded Lin Haoran of an old saying in Shanghai: "I'd rather have a bed in Puxi than a room in Pudong."

It is easy to imagine how significant the gap in living conditions and development is between Puxi and Pudong today.

The plane landed smoothly at Hongqiao Airport.

The cabin door opened, and Lin Haoran stepped down the gangway.

A moist autumn breeze, carrying a faint scent of river water, swept over me, a stark contrast to the dryness of autumn in Beijing.

The scene before us, though not as grand as the national-level event held at the Beijing helipad, was equally enthusiastic and solemn, showcasing Shanghai's pragmatism and efficiency as a major economic center.

Several key leaders of the Shanghai Stock Exchange personally waited at the bottom of the gangway, their faces beaming with warm smiles.

Behind them were the heads or important deputies of relevant commissions and bureaus such as the Planning Commission, the Foreign Economic and Trade Commission, and the Construction Commission, forming a complete lineup.

A red banner reading "Warmly welcome Mr. Lin Haoran, a renowned patriotic Hong Kong businessman, to Shanghai for inspection and guidance!" was prominently displayed in the arrival area.

A row of brand-new black imported cars were parked quietly to one side, with police motorcycles leading the way.

When Lin Haoran stepped off the plane, reporters from local Shanghai television stations, radio stations, and several major newspapers had already set up their equipment, and their cameras were all pointed at him.

Flashes of light went off one after another.

There was no elaborate airport welcome ceremony. The vice mayor quickly stepped forward and warmly shook hands with Lin Haoran: "Mr. Lin! You must be tired from your journey! Welcome to Shanghai! We'll arrange for you to rest at your hotel first, and we can discuss the details of the itinerary later. Please!"

His words were concise and efficient, revealing a sharp and efficient style characteristic of Shanghai.

"Thank you for your warm welcome, leaders! Shanghai has always been a place I've longed to visit, and I am truly honored to finally meet you today!" Lin Haoran shook hands with each of the leaders, his smile sincere and infectious, his demeanor impeccable.

Liu Xiaoli followed closely behind, maintaining an elegant and proper secretary demeanor. Facing the camera and her superiors, she was neither stage-frightened nor overstepped her bounds.

Accompanied by the vice mayor and other key leaders, Lin Haoran and his entourage quickly passed through the VIP channel and boarded the waiting motorcade.

There were no sirens blaring, but the motorcycles leading the way effectively guided the convoy away from the airport and sped towards the city.

Sitting comfortably in the car, watching the city rushing past the window.

Slightly dilapidated industrial buildings, vast tracts of undeveloped land, gradually denser residential areas with distinctive Shikumen or old Western-style houses, and the faint outlines of classical buildings in the distance towards the Bund...

All of this clearly tells Lin Haoran: This is a vibrant metropolis that is in dire need of transformation.

(End of this chapter)