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Chapter 781 Early Development of Pudong

"Mr. Lin, you must be tired from your journey. We have arranged for you to stay at the Peace Hotel on the Bund. It is a landmark high-rise building on the historic Bund in Shanghai. The conditions are acceptable, and we hope you will be satisfied," the vice mayor said warmly from the side.

Lin Haoran knew about the Peace Hotel.

In this era, the Peace Hotel undoubtedly held the position of one of the top luxury hotels in Shanghai.

It is a landmark building on the Bund, carrying a profound historical and cultural heritage, attracting many international dignitaries, artists and celebrities to stay there.

"Thank you for your trouble, leaders. I'll go along with whatever you have. I don't have any special requirements for the accommodation."

Lin Haoran responded with a smile, but in his heart he had already begun to make plans: The Peace Hotel is one of the important early hotels in Shanghai that catered to foreign guests, and arranging it here shows the importance that the Shanghai authorities attach to it.

He asked casually, "I saw a large shantytown outside the airport just now, it seems to be not far from the city center?"

The vice mayor's eyes lit up and he immediately replied, "Oh, Mr. Lin, you have a good eye! That area is part of the Hongqiao Development Zone, and its future plans are mainly for business and trade."

Our city of Shanghai may not be large, but there's a lot to do, especially in the renovation of the old city and the development of the new districts. We need the participation of entrepreneurs with strength and vision like Mr. Lin! The conversation naturally turned to investment and cooperation.

Lin Haoran understood perfectly well that the olive branch extended by the Shanghai Stock Exchange had practically been handed to him.

He looked out the car window at the city about to undergo tremendous changes, a subtle, ambitious smile playing on his lips.

In the early 80s, Shanghai was like a faded scroll of prosperity, waiting for the brushstrokes of the new era to paint it anew.

As the car drove along the street, the mottled Western-style buildings and dense old-fashioned alleyways flashed by on both sides. The pedestrians were dressed simply, in somber tones, but on their faces, one could vaguely see an eager desire for the future.

Perhaps due to the more active economy here, even in the early 80s, Shanghai and Beijing were quite different.

The solemnity and sense of order are omnipresent in Beijing, while the air in Shanghai is filled with a more delicate and keen business sense, an instinctive pursuit and desire for wealth and a better life.

This vitality hidden in the urban fabric made Lin Haoran feel particularly at home.

He did indeed prefer Shanghai to Beijing; perhaps he felt more at ease there, without the sense of constraint he felt in the capital.

The car drove through the bustling Nanjing Road and finally entered the portico of the Peace Hotel.

The doorman, dressed in a crisp uniform, quickly stepped forward, skillfully opened the car door, and behaved with respect and decorum.

The leader personally accompanied Lin Haoran into the lobby. The iconic octagonal hall, the retro chandelier, and the smooth, mirror-like mosaic floor tiles instantly transported people to a unique space that blends past luxury with contemporary aspirations.

"Mr. Lin, please rest first. The banquet will be held at 7 p.m. in the Dragon and Phoenix Hall on the eighth floor. We will discuss the details then." The other party escorted Lin Haoran to the elevator, shook hands warmly again, and then took his leave.

Guided by the waiter, Lin Haoran checked into the suite that had been prepared for him in Shanghai.

The room is spacious, retaining the elegant old-fashioned decor while being equipped with the most advanced modern amenities.

Pushing open the window, a slightly damp river breeze caressed my face. Outside the window flowed the Huangpu River, and Pudong on the opposite bank appeared quiet and vast in the overcast sky.

What he saw were low-lying shantytowns, with houses scattered haphazardly, most of them covered with old tiles, and occasionally a few simple bungalows interspersed among them.

Under the cover of a huge dark cloud, these buildings appeared even more gloomy and dilapidated, as if they were corners forgotten by time.

There were no towering buildings, no bustling traffic; everything there seemed so peaceful, even a little lonely.

Just across this river, it's like two different worlds.

In the distance, rice stalks sway gently in the wind, creating golden waves that rise and fall in the breeze—one of the few natural landscapes in Pudong.

However, beneath this seemingly tranquil land lies boundless potential and possibility.

This is the land that will shine brightly and amaze the world in the future!
Twenty years later, Pudong is no longer the dilapidated and desolate place it is today.

Driven by the tides of the times, modern skyscrapers will rise here, soaring into the clouds, their glass curtain walls gleaming in the sunlight, outlining a brand-new urban skyline.

Wide asphalt roads crisscross the road, with a constant flow of traffic;

The tree-lined park and modern office buildings complement each other, and elites from all over the world come and go, discussing projects that could influence the global economic landscape.

He seemed to see the Oriental Pearl Tower standing tall, and the magnificent skyline outlined by the future "three-piece set" of Shanghai.

However, Pudong today is indeed just a desolate area of ​​farmland and dilapidated shantytowns, which stands in stark contrast to the bustling Bund across the river.

Just then, Lin Haoran was awakened by a voice; it was his temporary personal secretary, Liu Xiaoli.

Unlike the one-bedroom suite he stayed in at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, Lin Haoran was assigned a presidential suite at the Peace Hotel, which is the famous Sassoon Presidential Suite at the Peace Hotel.

The Sassoon Presidential Suite, located on the top floor of the hotel, covers an area of ​​268 square meters and is the top-tier room type in the Peace Hotel.

Named after the hotel's founder, Victor Sassoon, the suite features a blend of classic and modern décor. The master bedroom is equipped with double vanities and multiple showerheads, while the spacious and elegantly decorated living room offers panoramic views of both sides of the Huangpu River.

In addition to the master bedroom, the suite also includes a guest room, a study, and a very large living room.

That's why, in addition to Lin Haoran, Liu Xiaoli, his personal secretary, can also move in.

At this moment, in the space of more than 200 square meters, there were only Lin Haoran and Liu Xiaoli.

In the solemn and dignified environment of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, neither of them did anything out of line.

But once I arrived at the Peace Hotel, I didn't feel that uncomfortable sense of constraint.

"What's wrong?" Lin Haoran snapped out of his daze and turned to look at Liu Xiaoli.

At this moment, Liu Xiaoli changed into a well-tailored beige suit, but it couldn't hide her graceful figure.

This outfit was clearly recently changed into, because Liu Xiaoli wasn't wearing this outfit before she moved in.

She walked over carrying a cup of freshly brewed Longjing tea, her skirt swaying gently with her steps, a stark contrast to the rigid uniform she wore in the capital.

“Mr. Lin, you’ve been standing by the window in a daze for almost half an hour.” She gently placed her teacup on the windowsill, her voice much softer than usual, and her gaze towards Lin Haoran even carried a hint of allure.

During those ten days, she followed Lin Haoran and witnessed many things she had never experienced before.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran nodded and took a small sip of his tea.

He hadn't expected half an hour to pass so quickly. He had just been looking at Pudong across the Huangpu River, feeling a mix of emotions, and he hadn't realized how fast time had gone by.

Liu Xiaoli gently pulled back the thick velvet curtains of the Sassoon Presidential Suite at the Peace Hotel. The evening glow bathed the Bund's international architecture on the west bank of the Huangpu River in a flowing golden light, while Pudong on the opposite bank gradually sank into the vastness and silence of twilight.

Lin Haoran stood by the window and placed the teacup back on the windowsill. The faint fragrance of Longjing tea lingered in the air.

The scene he saw was not the current desolation, but a prosperous picture in his mind, drawn from his memories of the future, where skyscrapers rose from the ground and neon lights shone like a galaxy.

Pudong, this unpolished gem, is worth far more than all people currently realize.

“Mr. Lin, it’s almost time. The leaders from Shanghai are already waiting in the banquet hall.” Liu Xiaoli’s voice was soft and respectful.

At this moment, she has shed the rigidity she had in Beijing and gained a touch of the refined and capable air unique to Shanghai.

Lin Haoran snapped out of his reverie and finished the remaining tea in his cup. The mellow aftertaste seemed to confirm his unwavering determination at that moment.

"Okay, let's go." He smiled calmly.

The banquet hall of the Peace Hotel is an epitome of the luxurious and grand atmosphere of old Shanghai.

The crystal chandelier casts a soft yet dazzling light, illuminating the gleaming marble floor and the dark, intricately carved wainscoting.

The long dining table was covered with a snow-white jacquard tablecloth, and the silver cutlery and crystal wine glasses were arranged meticulously.

"Mr. Lin, you must be tired from your journey. It is truly a pity that Shanghai is so eager to find talented people. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality!" The leader warmly shook Lin Haoran's hand with just the right amount of force, which showed his sincerity.

"You flatter me, sir. The enthusiasm and efficiency of Shanghai are truly impressive," Lin Haoran replied with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the leaders present. Their eyes met, each conveying a sense of probing.

After exchanging pleasantries and taking their seats, the waiter deftly served exquisite local dishes and Shaoxing rice wine.

After three rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

The vice mayor, acting as the host, steered the conversation back on track at the right moment: "Mr. Lin, we've all heard so much about your grand projects in Beijing!"

The renovation of Wangfujing, the Hengsheng School of Economics, and that unique authorization to operate a foreign-owned hotel—these projects truly demonstrate extraordinary vision and exceptional courage!

Shanghai, as the forefront of China's reform and opening up and the most economically vibrant region in the mainland, is eager to have patriotic Hong Kong businessmen and tycoons like Mr. Lin.

He paused, lowered his voice slightly, and said with a sense of solemnity as if sharing a core secret: "To be honest, right around Hongqiao Airport where you are staying, the city is planning a large development zone—the Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone!"

The goal is to attract foreign investment, develop an export-oriented economy, and build a modern business and trade center.

We believe this project aligns perfectly with Mr. Lin's industrial development and grand vision! We wonder if Mr. Lin would be interested in learning more about it, or even participating in it?

These words, imbued with the shrewdness and pragmatism characteristic of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, also revealed their biggest bargaining chip and expectation at this moment—Hongqiao.

The leaders present all put down their chopsticks, their eyes fixed on Lin Haoran's face, awaiting the response from this "god of wealth." In fact, throughout the 1980s, the Hongqiao Economic Development Zone was indeed a key development area in Shanghai, and its planning had even begun as early as 1979, aiming to create a modern area integrating business, commerce, and residential functions.

However, construction did not officially begin until 1983.

That's why, on his way from Hongqiao Airport to the Bund, Lin Haoran saw that the Hongqiao area was not much better than Pudong.

However, Hongqiao has one advantage: it has an airport.

This is precisely why it can easily develop into an economic zone focused on foreign trade.

As for the development of Pudong, it hasn't even been mentioned yet.

The idea of ​​developing Pudong was first proposed in the "Outline of Shanghai Economic Development Strategy Report" in 1984. In 1986, the "Shanghai Urban Master Plan" further clarified Pudong as an extension area of ​​the financial and trade center.

As for the real development of Pudong, it wouldn't be until the 1990s, which is still a long way from 1981!
Therefore, the main area for attracting foreign investment and serving as Shanghai's gateway for external development is still the Hongqiao Development Zone, which is about to begin construction.

Liu Xiaoli sat quietly to the side, her heart involuntarily pounding.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran did not immediately answer the question about the Rainbow Bridge, but instead seemed to fall into a moment of deep thought.

The atmosphere in the banquet hall became somewhat subtle due to this brief silence.

After a while, Lin Haoran said with a smile, "What the leader said is absolutely right. Hongqiao is a place with the best of both worlds, adjacent to the airport, and is like a vital passage for Shanghai to communicate with the world. Developing business and trade here is a wise move."

I've always been enthusiastic about projects with potential and promising prospects, so I naturally wouldn't want to miss such a great opportunity.

He affirmed Shanghai's idea, which brought a hint of joy to the faces of the vice mayor and others.

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise and relief flashed in the eyes of the leaders, and their tense nerves relaxed.

The leader sitting in the main seat was all smiles. He quickly stood up, personally poured Lin Haoran a glass of wine, and raised his glass, saying, "Mr. Lin, you are so generous! With a business tycoon like you who has the strength and vision to join us, the Hongqiao Economic and Technological Development Zone will surely be even more powerful and become a new landmark for business and trade in Shanghai and even the whole country as soon as possible!"
This glass is a toast to our cooperation, and to the future of Hongqiao!

Lin Haoran also stood up, clinked glasses with the vice mayor, drank it all in one gulp, and said loudly, "It's a pleasure to cooperate! I believe that with our joint efforts, Hongqiao will surely shine brightly."

The atmosphere at the scene immediately reached its peak.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation.

The leaders were all beaming, as if they could already see the Hongqiao Development Zone rapidly rising under Lin Haoran's investment.

However, at this moment when the guests and hosts were enjoying themselves, Lin Haoran gently put down his wine glass and abruptly changed the subject: "However..."

This one word instantly silenced the banquet hall.

All eyes were once again focused on him.

"In my opinion, Hongqiao is certainly important, but the real take-off of the Shanghai Stock Exchange will probably need another engine."

Lin Haoran's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears: "A super engine capable of carrying national-level strategies and facing the world."

The leaders exchanged surprised and uncertain glances.

The deputy mayor tentatively asked, "What does Mr. Lin mean?"

Lin Haoran raised his hand and pointed out the window, pointing to the Pudong area that was silent in the night with only a few scattered lights!

"I mean, Pudong!"

“Pudong?” Vice Mayor Li repeated subconsciously, his tone filled with astonishment.

The other leaders looked at each other, their faces filled with confusion.

Pudong?

That rural place, filled with farmland and shantytowns, was known as "I'd rather have a bed in Puxi than a room in Pudong".

Lin Haoran actually has a positive outlook on Pudong?
Even placing it above the Hongqiao Development Zone?

“Mr. Lin,” a bespectacled leader in charge of urban construction couldn’t help but speak, his tone cautiously inquiring, “Pudong’s current development conditions are still quite different from those of Hongqiao.”

Whether it's infrastructure, population growth, or industrial base, it's practically a blank slate. You say it has greater potential? Forgive my bluntness, but what's your basis for that?

“It is precisely because it is a blank canvas that the most magnificent picture can be drawn on it.” Lin Haoran turned around, his gaze intense. “Do you all know what Manhattan in New York and Ginza in Tokyo, these world-class financial centers, looked like a hundred years ago?”

He walked back to the dining table and tapped his fingers lightly on the surface: "If Shanghai is to become a true international metropolis, it cannot just focus on the small area of ​​Puxi."

The Huangpu River should not be the end, but a new beginning.

The previously silent leader finally spoke, his tone grave: "Mr. Lin, we have indeed discussed the idea of ​​developing Pudong internally, but it requires astronomical investment, and the payback period is too long..."

"Therefore, I suggest adopting a 'dual-engine' strategy," Lin Haoran calmly replied, "to accumulate experience and funds through the development of Hongqiao, while simultaneously launching the overall planning for Pudong."

I can promise that as long as the Shanghai Municipal Government is determined to develop Pudong, I am willing to invest start-up capital and bring in top international planning and design teams.

He looked around at each leader present, his voice strong and clear: "Within ten years, I can make many high-rise buildings stand on the farmland across the river, and within twenty years, I can make it a more dazzling Oriental Pearl than the Bund."

These words were so shocking that no one spoke for a long time afterward.

Lin Haoran's voice was not loud, but every word carried immense weight, striking the hearts of every Shanghai municipal leader like a giant hammer.

They had never examined that land, which was considered a "burden," from such a high and grand perspective.

To create a new Shanghai Stock Exchange?

The thought itself is enough to make one's heart race and blood boil!

The deputy mayor took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner shock, but his voice still trembled slightly: "Mr. Lin, your grand vision and strategy are truly awe-inspiring!"

However, developing Pudong requires funding, policies, planning, and so on. Your idea is too advanced for our time.

"Isn't the point of reform to be a pioneer?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.

He then continued, "Therefore, we need to take the lead and set a benchmark. I suggest that the Shanghai Stock Exchange should immediately begin strategic planning and preliminary research for the development of Pudong."

Regarding seed funding and the demonstration effect," he smiled slightly, then offered a more compelling and concrete plan, "On behalf of myself and related capital, I am willing to serve as the starting engine for the development of Pudong!"

He stood up, exuding a strong determination: "I promise that the first phase of investment will be no less than US$500 million in the core area of ​​Pudong!"

For Lin Haoran, he now has ample funds, and the most important thing is to invest them; otherwise, these funds lying in his own bank are just a bunch of numbers.

"Five hundred million... US dollars?" Even the Shanghai municipal leaders, who were used to big events, couldn't help but gasp in surprise.

This number far exceeded their expectations, enough to make the first earth-shattering sound in Pudong!

“This funding,” Lin Haoran continued, “will be used for primary land development, basic road network construction, and the launch of a world-class financial and commercial landmark.”

For example, in planning the financial and trade zone, my subsidiary Hengsheng Group will build the "Hengsheng Financial Center," a building no less than 200 meters high, symbolizing a new height for Shanghai. This center will serve as one of Hengsheng's headquarters in mainland China and will attract top global financial institutions to set up operations there.

Simultaneously, the development of modern high-end residential and commercial complexes will create a demonstrative effect, attracting global capital to focus on Pudong!

This scene is so impactful!
A skyscraper rises from the barren mudflats of Pudong.
This is simply a fantasy!

But with Lin Haoran's confident tone and the solid promise of "five hundred million US dollars," no one felt it was just empty talk.

A burning flame had already ignited in the eyes of the leaders—a tremendous excitement at seeing the city's glorious future!
"Mr. Lin! This...this is truly..." The vice mayor was so excited that he was almost incoherent, "Recreating a new Shanghai! Your vision and courage are truly admirable!"

On behalf of the Shanghai Stock Exchange, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your forward-looking vision and tremendous support!
We will do our utmost to report the grand vision for the development of Pudong to the central government as soon as possible and strive for the most powerful support policies!

The leader seated at the head of the table spoke up, "Mr. Lin's foresight has indeed greatly inspired us. Therefore, we will proceed with the development of Hongqiao as planned. At the same time, we can establish a Pudong Development Research Group and invite Mr. Lin to serve as a special advisor. What are your thoughts, Mr. Lin?"

Special Advisor?

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible glint flashed in Lin Haoran's eyes.

This proposal was exactly what he wanted to hear. The position of special advisor allowed him to participate deeply in the planning process without having to shoulder too much responsibility too early, making it an excellent position that allowed him to both advance and retreat as needed.

Moreover, in his previous life he had been to Shanghai and Pudong New Area, and was very familiar with the Lujiazui Financial District, which had already matured by the 2020s.

He knew the locations, layouts, and even the problems encountered during the development of those landmark buildings perfectly.

The position of special advisor was practically tailor-made for him.

"I am honored by the leadership's high regard for me and have accepted this special advisor position," Lin Haoran said, raising his glass in a gesture of respect. "However, as an advisor, I hope to speak frankly and without reservation."

"This is exactly what we've been waiting for!" the leader exclaimed with a hearty laugh. "With an expert like Mr. Lin overseeing things, the development of Pudong will definitely avoid many detours."

The atmosphere at the banquet became lively again, but this time, the toasts and conversation were noticeably more substantial.

(End of this chapter)