In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 813 The Regretful Dean of Harvard!
The Lincoln armored limousine smoothly drove away from the Harvard University campus, completely shutting out the still faintly audible noise behind it.

Inside the car, Lin Haoran turned around and saw the faint figures of students rushing out of the school gate to wave goodbye to him, and smiled helplessly.

He never imagined that he would be so popular at Harvard University, one of the world's top universities.

"Xiaohan, it seems we'll have to cancel our planned trip to MIT," he said apologetically to Guo Xiaohan beside him.

Guo Xiaohan was still in shock from being surrounded by onlookers when she heard this and nodded in understanding: "Yes, I understand. If Harvard is like this, MIT is probably in a similar situation."

"Haoran, I never imagined you'd have such a huge influence among students at these top universities in the US!"

Lin Haoran himself was also somewhat moved. He looked out the window at the Boston street scene, his tone carrying a hint of surprise and self-deprecation: "Yes, I was a little surprised too."

I thought I only had a reputation on Wall Street and in the American business world, but I didn't expect these young, high-achieving students to know so much about me. It seems that my dream of quietly experiencing campus life will be a pipe dream from now on.

He paused, then added jokingly, "Should we ask Mr. Buffett for advice next time, and see how he usually travels in a low-key manner?"

He certainly didn't expect that his rise in the business world would be so widely publicized by these media outlets, and that many professors would even use his business case studies as teaching materials.

This "breakthrough" influence, extending from business circles to top academic institutions, signifies that he has truly entered the core of the American mainstream.

He has even gained a superstar-like appeal among the younger generation in the United States, especially among students at prestigious universities who are sensitive to these business trends.

This reminded him of his past life, where he and his peers grew up listening to stories of business legends like Li Ka-shing, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett.

Unexpectedly, he has now become a "legend" in the eyes of others, and an object of pursuit and imitation for these future elites.

This change in identity stirred a strange feeling within him.

The stars I looked up to in my past life, I have now joined in this life, and my light shines even brighter.

Shortly after Lin Haoran's Lincoln taillights disappeared around the corner from the Harvard campus, the office phone of Professor Charles Williams, Dean of the Harvard Business School, rang urgently.

A business school professor who witnessed Lin Haoran being surrounded and astutely realized the immense value of the situation was excitedly reporting to the dean: "Dean Charles! You'd never guess who just showed up at Harvard Yard!"
It's Lin! Lin Haoran from Citibank! He's right here at our school, surrounded by students asking for his autograph!

"What? Lin Haoran? Are you sure it's him?" Dean Charles suddenly stood up from his office chair, his face instantly filled with surprise.

He was very familiar with the name Lin Haoran. His recent appointment as the first non-American executive director of Citibank, his investment in gold futures, his investment in the oil crisis, and even his numerous mergers and acquisitions have made this young business tycoon a living, breathing, and highly valuable and inspiring legendary case in the eyes of educators like himself.

A prodigy who is only in his early twenties but has already become famous in the global business world!
Several of his colleagues and professors have even repeatedly analyzed Lin Haoran's classic mergers and acquisitions and investment cases in class, using them as excellent models for cultivating future business leaders.

哈佛大学的知名毕业生多不胜数，甚至连总统都出了多位，如第二任的约翰·亚当斯总统、第6任的约翰·昆西·亚当斯总统、第19任的拉瑟福德·B·海斯总统、第26任的西奥多·罗斯福总统、第32任的富兰克林·D·罗斯福总统、第35任的约翰·F·肯尼迪总统等等。

Lin Haoran even knew that future leaders like George W. Bush and Barack Obama were also graduates of Harvard University.

As for alumni who are well-known business leaders, there are countless examples.

Such a top-tier university naturally has no shortage of influential figures giving lectures.

However, Lin Haoran has an advantage that no other big shot can match: his age.

Before the age of thirty, he had already become one of the world's top business tycoons. This status easily resonated with and inspired admiration among students of similar age.

After all, compared to those middle-aged or elderly business leaders who have already achieved great success, Lin Haoran's success trajectory is more valuable and inspiring for young students.

The dean of Harvard Business School clearly had this in mind.

Teaching should be tailored to individual students' aptitudes and also to their age.

Dean Charles knew that inviting a business prodigy like Lin Haoran, who was about the same age as the students, would have an immeasurable demonstration and inspirational effect.

Although there are many people who are more famous than Lin Haoran, not all influential people can become students' idols!
"It's absolutely true! Many students took photos; the scene was quite a sensation! He shouldn't have gone far yet!"

"A genius! A business genius has come to Harvard. What a great opportunity! He has also become an idol and role model for many students. It would be a shame not to let him leave something behind at our school!"

Dean Charles was overjoyed and immediately grabbed the internal phone to call the security post at the school gate, speaking so fast it was almost flying: "Listen! This is Charles Williams!"

Immediately try to stop a young Asian man who has just left. His name is Lin Haoran, and he was probably in a Lincoln!

In any case, please make sure he stays. Tell him that the Dean of Harvard Business School cordially invites him to give a brief presentation to our students! Quickly!

His voice carried a hint of urgency, and he was already picturing in his mind the scene of inviting Lin Haoran to give a small lecture or open class.

This will definitely greatly inspire students' enthusiasm and may even inspire the birth of a future business leader.

These prestigious universities rely on more than just rankings; their highly influential graduates are also a valuable asset to the schools!
Therefore, no prestigious university doesn't want to cultivate influential figures.

When graduates succeed, they give back to their alma mater, creating a virtuous cycle.

Therefore, they will try every means to cultivate students, and having Lin Haoran, an idol of many business school students, give a meaningful open class may inspire more students to pursue their business dreams, and may even give birth to the next business legend.

This intangible value is far more precious than any donation.

However, the reply from the other end of the phone made his heart sink instantly: "Dean Williams, I'm very sorry, the Lincoln you mentioned has just left the school and is probably already merged into the main traffic flow. We can't catch up with it..."

"What? Gone?" Dean Charles's excitement froze instantly, replaced by immense disappointment and regret.

He slumped back into his chair, unable to resist slapping the table with his hand, making a dull "thud".

"What a pity! Just a few minutes short! This is Lin Haoran! His thinking, his market insight, is something that no amount of reports can buy!" He muttered to himself, his tone filled with endless regret, and even a hint of barely perceptible resentment towards the security personnel for being a beat too slow in their reaction.

Meanwhile, MIT's Sloan School of Management, also located in the same city, was equally well-informed.

The news that Lin Haoran had appeared at Harvard and was surrounded by students spread like wildfire to the ears of the Sloan School of Management.

Unlike Harvard Business School's "passive discovery" and "caught off guard," MIT's approach is more precise and efficient.

Inside the dean's office, several officials quickly discussed the matter.

"Lin Haoran is actually in Boston? And he just left Harvard? This means he's currently in the city, and his itinerary isn't completely closed off!" A vice dean astutely grasped the key point.

"We must seize this opportunity! If we can invite him to give a public lecture at Sloan, its impact will be no less than that of any Nobel laureate's lecture!"

His forward-thinking business acumen is particularly well-suited to the atmosphere at MIT!

"But how do we get in touch with him? He keeps a low profile, and contacting him directly might be too abrupt, plus we don't have a suitable channel."

At this point, someone thought of an excellent candidate: "We can contact Mr. John Reed! He is one of our distinguished alumni from MIT, holding both his bachelor's and master's degrees from our institute."

Moreover, he is currently the vice president of Citibank, and is said to be Lin Haoran's most important ally within Citibank. It couldn't be more suitable for him to act as a go-between!

This proposal was immediately agreed by everyone.

So, a sincere phone call, representing the utmost sincerity of MIT Sloan School of Management, was made directly to John Reid, who was far away in New York.

John Reed was dealing with Citibank affairs when he received the request from his alma mater.

He smiled after listening to the other person's explanation.

On the one hand, he was naturally willing to help his alma mater with its request;
On the other hand, this is an excellent opportunity to solidify his alliance with Lin Haoran and help Lin Haoran expand his influence in top academic circles, for which Lin Haoran will surely appreciate it.

He readily replied into the phone, "No problem, leave it to me. Mr. Lin is my friend and an important business partner. I'll contact him right away."

It is my honor to be able to build such a bridge between my alma mater and Mr. Lin.

After hanging up the phone, he immediately instructed his assistant: "Immediately find a way to contact Lin Haoran. Tell him I have something important and interesting to discuss with him, concerning his influence and MIT's sincere invitation. Please ask him to do me the honor."

Meanwhile, Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan had just returned to their hotel room, preparing to rest briefly before making arrangements to return to New York.

He has been in Boston for several days now and has visited most of the places he was supposed to go.

MIT was originally one of their destinations. Lin Haoran planned to visit Harvard University first, and then MIT, a top-tier university, would be their next stop.

After all, in his previous life, both Harvard University and MIT were academic halls that were out of his reach.

Now that he has the opportunity to experience it firsthand, even if it's just to feel the learning atmosphere of the university, he doesn't want to miss it.

But now, encountering this situation at Harvard University, he has to reconsider his plans. After all, he doesn't want to cause a similar uproar at another prestigious university.

Most importantly, he didn't want to cause unnecessary trouble for the school, nor did he want his presence to disrupt the students' normal learning order.

News has come from Li Guowei that the atmosphere at the Citibank board of directors is becoming increasingly tense, and an important meeting concerning the future power structure may be held at any time, requiring him to be present in New York.

However, shortly after he returned, the hotel receptionist called him, saying that a man named John Reed had called the hotel looking for him while he was away.

Lin Haoran raised an eyebrow. John Reed was looking for him at this time. Could it be that there was an emergency at Citibank?
What little tricks is Miller up to now?
Lin Haoran's first thought was whether Miller was about to make a move.

He quickly dialed John Reed's private number, and as soon as the call connected, he asked directly, "Mr. John, it's me, Lin Haoran. Is there any new situation in New York?"

John Reed's hearty laughter came from the other end of the phone: "Lin, relax. Everything is normal in New York for now. Miller is still gathering clues about me, but he should be done soon. I've been secretly cooperating with him and creating a lot of new evidence."

However, I'm not here for that matter. I have something else I'd like to ask you to help me with.

"Oh?" Lin Haoran asked, somewhat puzzled.

“I just received an urgent request from my alma mater, MIT Sloan School of Management.” Reed’s voice carried a hint of teasing and pride. “The sensation you caused at Harvard has already reached Cambridge across the river.”

The dean and several professors at the MIT Sloan School of Management are eagerly hoping I can personally invite you to give a public lecture to their students at the MIT Sloan School of Management before you leave Boston. They speak highly of you!

"A public lecture?" Lin Haoran was stunned for a moment upon hearing this, and then a look of bewilderment appeared on his face.

He had assumed it was some urgent business matter, but it turned out to be an academic invitation.

He glanced subconsciously at Guo Xiaohan beside him. Guo Xiaohan had also heard the phone conversation and covered her mouth in surprise, but her eyes were bright and sparkling, clearly finding it both unexpected and interesting.

Lin Haoran's mind raced in an instant.

promise?

This means he will need to stay in Boston for at least another day to carefully prepare his speech, which may disrupt his original plans.

reject?

It seemed somewhat cold-hearted, especially coming through an invitation from an important ally like John Reed.

John Reed was the future head of Citibank and a key figure in the Citigroup, one of the top ten financial groups in the United States.

With the support of his ally John Reed, his future plans and development in the United States will undoubtedly be smoother.

Almost instantly, he made his decision.

Agreeing to it would be far more beneficial than harmful.

First of all, this was a huge favor to John Reed and greatly strengthened the alliance between the two.

Imagine facing increasing pressure from Miller and others on the Citigroup board in the future. Reid, an ally with real power and a strong alumni network at MIT, will be an indispensable asset.

A single public lecture garnered even stronger support from staunch allies—it was a very worthwhile deal.

Moreover, he originally intended to go to MIT, but the incident at Harvard University led him to cancel the trip.

Now that they've taken the initiative to invite me, it's exactly what I wanted.

However, what was originally planned as a low-key stroll has turned into a high-profile public lecture.

But since things have come to this, it doesn't really matter.

Secondly, this is also an excellent platform to further enhance personal reputation and build influence within another top academic circle and future elite group.

MIT students, especially those from the Sloan School of Management, are highly sensitive to future technology and business trends. Leaving a deep impression here may bring unexpected benefits to Universal Capital's future investments.

Thinking of this, Lin Haoran's wry smile turned into a calm one, and he said to Reed on the other end of the phone, "So that's what it is."

Mr. John, it is my honor to have your alma mater. Since you asked me personally, I must give you this courtesy.

I promised you. Let's arrange some time. I'll stay an extra day in Boston to interact with students from MIT and Sloan.

“That’s great, Lin!” John Reed’s voice was full of joy. He could feel the importance that Lin Haoran placed on their relationship behind his straightforwardness. “On behalf of my alma mater, MIT, thank you!”
I'll inform the school immediately; they'll be overjoyed! My assistant will coordinate the specific timing with you right away.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran looked at Guo Xiaohan, who was looking expectant, and said with a smile, "It seems our trip to Boston will be extended by a day. Get ready, we're going to MIT."

Guo Xiaohan nodded excitedly: "Great! I can listen to your lectures again!"

At this moment, her eyes were filled with admiration for Lin Haoran and anticipation to witness him shine again at a world-class university.

Previously, Lin Haoran also gave a lecture at a university, namely Beijing University in mainland China. At that time, the place was so popular that almost all the students of Beijing University came, so much so that the lecture venue had to be moved from a lecture hall to the playground of Beijing University.

However, at that time, Beijing University could hardly be considered an internationally renowned university, and its influence in the international academic community was quite limited.

After all, Beijing University is still in a closed world. Apart from Chinese people, it is estimated that few people in the world know it, and its influence is relatively low.

Compared with world-class universities like Harvard and MIT, there is a significant gap in both academic level and international reputation.

But Lin Haoran clearly remembered how Beijing University rose step by step over the decades in his previous life and eventually became one of the world's top universities.

In this life, perhaps because of his appearance, this process can be accelerated.

"Xiaohan, have Weidong inform President Li that we're postponing our return to New York by one day," Lin Haoran instructed, then fell into thought.

"Since we've agreed, we can't just go through the motions. What should we say to these future business leaders from MIT Sloan School of Management?"

MIT Sloan School of Management is a very prestigious business school in the world.

Although the Sloan School of Management was founded in 1952 and is only about 30 years old, it has long been ranked among the top ten business schools in the world, almost on par with Harvard Business School, thanks to the support of MIT, a top university.

Graduates from here are found all over Wall Street and Silicon Valley, making it a perfect example of the integration of technology and business.

Lin Haoran naturally understood that, unlike the students at Beijing University, the students at Sloan School of Management were well-informed and knowledgeable. They were not only familiar with the most cutting-edge business theories, but also had a keen insight into the global financial market.

Faced with such a group of elite students who are both technically and commercially savvy, he had to produce more in-depth and forward-looking content.

"Will you delve into the changes in the global economic landscape, or share my previous investment logic?"

Lin Haoran paced back and forth in the suite, his mind racing: "No, this might not be enough for them. What they really want to hear is insight into the future..."

Ultimately, Lin Haoran decided to use the theme of "Technological Revolution and New Opportunities of Globalization" to draw up an unprecedented investment blueprint for these future business leaders, combining his advanced knowledge.

He stopped walking and muttered to himself, "In this era when personal computers were just emerging, few people could have foreseen the technological explosion of the next thirty years."

But I can point them in the right direction…

He decided to focus on three disruptive areas: the opportunities brought about by the information technology revolution, emerging markets in the context of globalization, and the importance of sustainable development.

These were fields he was certain would flourish based on his memories of his past life, and they were particularly well-suited to the knowledge background of MIT students.

That evening, Lin Haoran meticulously prepared his speech at his desk. The content was naturally based on his knowledge from his previous life, and each page contained wisdom that transcended this era.

This is the advantage of being a time traveler.

"Personal computers will no longer be a luxury, but a necessity for every household; the internet will connect the entire world, changing the way people access information and communicate; pocket-sized mobile phones will allow people to stay connected anytime, anywhere..."

Lin Haoran wrote furiously on the manuscript paper, presenting these predictions, which now seem almost fantastical, with rigorous logic and a forward-looking perspective.

The thought that what he said would become a reality in the future, and that this public lecture might be regarded as a prophecy of an era, gave Lin Haoran a strange feeling.

Looking at Lin Haoran's focused profile, Guo Xiaohan, sitting beside him, was filled with admiration.

She witnessed this man rise from Hong Kong to conquer Wall Street step by step, and now even the world's top universities are vying to invite him to share his wisdom.

(End of this chapter)