In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 818 Attending as Hong Kong's Richest Man, Returning to Hong Kong!
It has been about 20 days since I left Hong Kong.

During this period, only Ho Sin-hang from Hong Kong called him once, regarding the reconstruction plan for the Hui Fung Building.

According to Ho Shan-heng, he has already contacted the legendary architect I.M. Pei through his connections.

After learning of He Shanheng's purpose, the other party agreed to Hengsheng Group's request and will personally bring a team to Hong Kong to design a new headquarters building for Huifeng when they have time.

Apart from that, no one else contacted Lin Haoran.

No contact means nothing important has happened. As a responsible and hands-off manager, Lin Haoran doesn't like people constantly disturbing his life.

Lin Haoran knew that an excellent leader did not need to do everything personally, but rather knew how to use people.

The leaders of his various groups are all capable of handling things independently, so he only needs to focus on higher-level strategic planning.

"This is Lin Haoran, Mr. Cui. Is there anything important?" Lin Haoran asked after the call connected.

"Boss, am I bothering you? There is something I'd like to ask you, but if you have important matters to attend to in the US, then forget it." Cui Zilong's voice came from the other end of the phone, with a hint of hesitation in his tone.

"Speak, what is it?" Lin Haoran walked to the sofa and sat down, gesturing for Guo Xiaohan to sit down as well.

"It's like this, do you remember when you asked me to compile a list of Hong Kong's richest people?" Cui Zilong said with a smile.

"Of course, how come the first rich list is almost ready?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.

Last August, Lin Haoran mentioned the rich list to Cui Zilong.

More than a year has passed since then.

As far as I can remember, the first truly modern rich list in my previous life was not published until 1982, which is the famous Forbes Rich List.

At the time, this rich list was not global, but mainly focused on the United States. Its essence was the "Forbes 400 Richest Americans" list, which only focused on the domestic wealthy group in the United States, and its accuracy was not very high.

However, as the world's first truly comprehensive rich list, it still caused a huge sensation.

Lin Haoran nodded: "I remember, I asked you to start preparing. We were going to launch the world's first rich list before Forbes. If all goes well, Forbes' list should be released in a few months."

Lin Haoran knew all too well the significance of the first rich list.

Forbes established its authoritative position globally with the release of its first rich list, becoming the starting point for the later Forbes Rich List series.

This has given Forbes a very special position globally, with an influence that is somewhat extraordinary.

As one of his important businesses, Lin Haoran's expectation for Oriental Media Group was not that it could make a lot of money, but that it could become a media platform with global influence.

Having experienced numerous media battles, Lin Haoran clearly understands what a powerful media platform means to his business empire.

The release of the world's first rich list is a key step in achieving this goal.

The Hong Kong rich list is just the beginning.

Next, Oriental Media Group will successively release the Southeast Asian Rich List, the Japanese Rich List, the Asian Rich List, and even the Global Rich List!
"Boss, you have such foresight!" Cui Zilong said excitedly on the other end of the phone. "We have indeed completed the compilation of the Hong Kong Rich List, and we've even almost finished the Singapore Rich List. We're just about to ask you for your instructions on the next steps."

The reason it went so smoothly is that all the business leaders agreed to our research and interviews out of respect for you, and the progress was extremely fast.

According to your plan, we intend to first release the Hong Kong Rich List of 200, and then gradually launch larger lists after accumulating experience.

We plan to officially release the Hong Kong Rich List on December 10th. This rich list is of great significance, so we plan to invite the top ten richest people in Hong Kong to the event. Boss, you are recognized as the richest man in Hong Kong, so you are naturally among those invited.

We hope you can attend the press conference in person to add weight to this historic moment.

Lin Haoran smiled slightly upon hearing this: "I understand. You want me to attend the press conference as the richest man in Hong Kong?"

Cui Zilong said sincerely, "That's right. Although our list adheres to the principles of objectivity and fairness, your presence in person will undoubtedly greatly enhance the credibility and influence of the list."

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran immediately began to ponder.

The rich list is scheduled to be released on December 10th.

Now, it is the evening of November 28th.

So, there are still nearly 12 days left.

In the United States, due to the overwhelming public opinion surrounding the issue, he can no longer stay there for the time being, and it is time for him to leave the country.

So it seems that it's not that they didn't have time to participate.

He had previously told Guo Xiaohan that he would take her to Hawaii for a while before returning to Hong Kong, so there would still be plenty of time.

Even if we take into account the travel time and subtract two days, we still have ten days left.

A trip to Hawaii would only take about a week, which is plenty of time.

"Mr. Cui, it's settled then," Lin Haoran said into the phone. "Barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will attend the press conference on December 10th on time."

"That's wonderful!" Cui Zilong said happily on the other end of the phone. "With you personally overseeing things, this press conference is sure to be a complete success."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran said to Guo Xiaohan, "We're leaving for Hawaii tomorrow. We've been through a lot in New York lately, it's time for a change of scenery and some relaxation."

Guo Xiaohan was overjoyed upon hearing this.

"Brother Haoran, I heard the beaches there are really beautiful. I'm so looking forward to it," she said with a hint of longing.

Although Guo Xiaohan comes from a wealthy family, going anywhere is not a problem for her.

But she is still young, having only graduated three years ago. After graduation, she studied business management with her uncle, and her travels have been limited. She has never been to a resort destination like Hawaii.

“That’s right, the sunshine at Waikiki Beach and the night view of Honolulu are definitely worth experiencing.” Lin Haoran smiled as he looked at Guo Xiaohan’s expectant expression. “This time we’ll stay at the Hilton Hotel right by Waikiki Beach, so you can enjoy the sun and sand to your heart’s content.”

To be honest, Lin Haoran himself had never been to Hawaii.

Having been in this world for less than four years, he has visited very few places.

Having made money, he has been busy with business planning and rarely has such leisure time.

Life should indeed be enjoyed more.

The purpose of this trip to the United States has been more than achieved.

Initially, he came in person simply because he had become an executive director of Citibank.

Unexpectedly, he encountered Miller's conspiracy against John Reed, and he was implicated.

Of course, the outcome was positive. Miller was ousted from Citibank, and John Reed, the future head of Citibank, has become a true ally after a series of events, their relationship has grown even closer.

As for the frenzied crowds he encountered at Harvard, the public speech at MIT, the meeting with Buffett, and the ridicule from the media, these were merely embellishments on his life's journey.

"Brother Haoran, what are you thinking about?" Guo Xiaohan asked softly when she saw his deep gaze.

Lin Haoran snapped out of his thoughts and smiled, "Thinking about the various experiences of this trip to the United States, although the process was somewhat bumpy, the gains far exceeded my expectations."

"Brother Haoran, when are we leaving?" Guo Xiaohan seemed impatient.

"Tomorrow afternoon, please. I need to go to Huanyu Investment Company in the morning to talk to Su Zhixue. Let's set off around 3 pm. I'll have someone apply for a flight route," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

That evening, perhaps because she was about to go on her honeymoon to a resort with her lover, Guo Xiaohan performed exceptionally well, satisfying Lin Haoran completely with various positions and allowing him to relax both physically and mentally.

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the bedroom through the curtains.

When Lin Haoran woke up, he saw Guo Xiaohan still fast asleep, with a satisfied smile on her face.

He didn't disturb her. He got up quietly, ate a simple breakfast, called his subordinates to confirm that the private jet's route application had been approved, and then sat on the sofa to read the latest edition of the newspaper.

Many mainstream newspapers continued to ridicule his remarks, with headlines that were increasingly exaggerated.

The front page of The Wall Street Journal prominently featured the headline: "Arrogant Prophet? Lin Haoran's Market Crash Theory Gets a Ruthless Slap in the Face."

The article details the recent strong performance of US stocks and questions Lin Haoran's judgment.

The New York Times' financial column went even further, using the title "A Failed Prophecy of the Eastern Nouveau Riche" to satirize the topic.

Lin Haoran looked at these reports, but instead of getting angry, he revealed a meaningful smile.

He knew perfectly well that the more frenzied the market was, the closer it was to the turning point.

The mockery these media outlets are currently displaying will eventually become evidence that proves them wrong.

"What are you looking at so intently?" Guo Xiaohan, who had woken up at some point, walked to his side in her bathrobe.

Lin Haoran handed her the newspaper: "Look at how these media outlets are evaluating me."

Guo Xiaohan quickly skimmed the report and said angrily, "These people have gone too far! They don't understand investing at all; they just follow the crowd and speculate."

"Don't worry about it." Lin Haoran smiled calmly. "On Wall Street, results are the best response. When the market turns around, these voices will naturally disappear."

As he spoke, he asked gently, "Why didn't you sleep a little longer?"

"I'm so excited about going to Hawaii today, I can't sleep." Guo Xiaohan, still in her pajamas, handed the newspaper back to Lin Haoran, then leaned lazily against him. "What about you? When did you get up?"

“It’s been a while.” Lin Haoran glanced at his watch. “I’m going to see Su Zhixue later. You can rest at the hotel or go for a stroll on Fifth Avenue.”

Guo Xiaohan thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll make an appointment at a beauty salon for a treatment to prepare for the Hawaiian sun."

Lin Haoran didn't leave until 9:00 AM, when he finally led Li Weidong, Li Weiguo, and the others out.

He had disguised himself so well that he wasn't easily recognized.

After all, he's a "celebrity" in New York now, albeit one that's ridiculed.

The car quickly arrived at the building where Huanyu Investment Company was located. They took a private elevator directly from the underground parking garage to the upper floors, avoiding any potential attention.

Su Zhixue was already waiting in the office. Upon seeing Lin Haoran, he immediately stood up and said, "Boss, you've arrived."

"Yes, I'll be leaving New York this afternoon, so I came over to chat with you before I leave," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

“Boss, this is what I wanted to talk to you about. The market has been very volatile these past two days, with stock prices soaring for two consecutive days. They rose 3.2% the day before yesterday and 3.6% yesterday, and are expected to rise again today. This may be a bit different from your prediction, boss. Should we continue with the original plan?” Su Zhixue said with some concern.

In fact, the price increase these past two days was caused by Lin Haoran.

After his remarks were exposed, many economic experts and business tycoons came out to express their opposition, believing that Lin Haoran's prediction was baseless.

These statements from authoritative figures, ironically, injected a boost into the market, prompting investors to flock in and driving a continuous surge in stock prices. This gave many stock market participants a surge of confidence, making them even more optimistic about the future of the US stock market.
They have all increased their investment.

After listening to Su Zhixue's detailed report, Lin Haoran's smile deepened: "This is exactly the situation I hoped to see."

Indeed, as he said, he really hoped that the US stock market would surge during this period.

After all, this is not a normal surge, but a false prosperity driven by public opinion.

“Zhixue, think about it carefully,” Lin Haoran explained patiently. “This kind of irrational surge caused by public opinion controversy is often the most dangerous signal.”

This indicates that the market has lost its fundamental support and is entirely driven by sentiment.

Su Zhixue seemed thoughtful: "You mean, this is like a final burst of energy before death?"

"A very apt analogy." Lin Haoran nodded approvingly. "Before the market peaks, there's often a final frenzy. Right now, experts are refuting my views, and investors are blindly following the crowd—this is a clear signal that the market is about to turn around."

He walked to the window and looked down at the bustling Wall Street below: "Look at these people, how fanatical they are now, how panicked they will be in the future."

The higher you climb, the harder you fall. Danger strikes when everyone believes the market will rise forever.

The trend is irreversible.

The tight monetary policy brought about by Reaganomics, which suppressed stock market liquidity and valuations, the loose fiscal policy, which triggered concerns about economic expectations, the economic recession and the sharp decline in corporate profits, the fragile market confidence, and the external risk shocks all indicate that the US stock market is about to undergo an inevitable adjustment.

These are things that cannot be controlled by human intervention.

Even with government involvement and participation from numerous large corporations, how long can this false prosperity last?

Once the policies of Reaganomics were implemented, the outcome was already predetermined.

The current rise in stock price may actually fuel a more severe and earlier decline in the future!
Su Zhixue seemed to understand: "Boss, I know what to do. Don't worry, I will speed up the planning and layout to short some listed companies. Those companies you mentioned before have become our key research targets!"

Previously, Lin Haoran had mentioned some targets to Su Zhixue, such as General Motors, U.S. Steel, Sears, Wang Laboratories, Drysdale Securities, etc. The stock prices of these companies were destined to suffer heavy blows in this crisis.

Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. Remember, the key to short selling is timing. Leverage these companies at the right time. I expect the turning point to come soon. Be prepared to add to your position at any time and sell at a high price."

“Understood,” Su Zhixue said solemnly. “I have already begun to reach agreements with some financial and securities institutions to establish short positions, mainly targeting companies with overvalued valuations and weak fundamentals.”

In particular, Wang Laboratories and Drysdale Securities have shown clear signs of financial problems.

Lin Haoran said approvingly, "Your judgment is very accurate. Although Wang Laboratories is currently enjoying great success, it is very risky to rely too much on a single product line."

As for Drysdale Securities, its highly leveraged operating model can generate high returns during bull markets, but it will be the first to suffer when the market reverses.

He walked to his desk, picked up a pen, and wrote down a few names on a piece of paper: "In addition to the companies I mentioned earlier, I would also like to focus on International Harvester and Chrysler."

These two companies will face serious challenges during the economic downturn.

Su Zhixue carefully noted down: "Boss, you're absolutely right. The agricultural equipment business of the international harvester company is greatly affected by agricultural product prices, and Chrysler's financial situation has never been very optimistic."

"That's right. Remember, short selling requires not only choosing the right targets but also mastering the timing. In the final frenzy of the market, these stocks may experience another surge. Don't let short-term fluctuations affect your judgment."

"Don't worry, boss, I will manage the position well and establish short positions in batches."

……

Lin Haoran stayed at Huanyu Investment Company until noon, had a staff meal with the employees, and then left Huanyu Investment Company.

Although Lin Haoran's remarks were met with various doubts and ridicule from the outside world, the employees of Huanyu Investment Company, especially the long-time employees from Hong Kong, did not waver in their trust in Lin Haoran because of the outside public opinion.

On the contrary, they are even more determined to implement Lin Haoran's investment strategy.

After all, many of these people have been following Lin Haoran for more than three years and have witnessed his every accurate investment, never making a mistake.

The ridicule and doubts from the outside world are nothing but fleeting clouds in the hearts of the veteran employees.

After lunch, Lin Haoran said goodbye to the employees of Huanyu Investment Company.

For him, Huanyu Investment Company is one of the most important companies under his control, belonging to the core industries along with Hong Kong Land Group and Wanqing Group.

Surrounded by a crowd, Lin Haoran walked out of the Huanyu Investment Company. Before stepping into the elevator, he turned to the employees who were seeing him off and said, "Remember, the most important thing in investing is independent thinking. When everyone is running in the same direction, we need to consider opportunities in the opposite direction."

Su Zhixue, on behalf of all employees, responded: "Boss, rest assured, we will definitely adhere to our investment principles and remain unmoved by market noise."

With everything arranged in New York, Lin Haoran could leave with peace of mind.

At 3 p.m., he arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport with Guo Xiaohan, Li Weidong, Li Weiguo and others, and boarded his private jet.

Destination: Honolulu International Airport!

After approximately 11 hours of flight, the private plane landed smoothly at Honolulu International Airport.

The moment the cabin door opened, a moist and warm sea breeze rushed in, carrying the fragrance of tropical flowers.

Three Rolls-Royces were already waiting on the tarmac, and they took them directly to the Hilton resort in Waikiki Beach.

"The scenery here is even more beautiful than Bali and Phuket!" Guo Xiaohan exclaimed involuntarily as she looked out the car window at the azure sea and swaying palm trees.

Lin Haoran smiled and took her hand: "Let's leave all our troubles behind this week."

They settled into the presidential suite at the resort.

This 800-square-meter suite features a 270-degree ocean-view terrace and a private infinity pool that connects directly to the distant sea, making you feel as if you are between the sea and the sky.

Every morning, they enjoy breakfast prepared by a Michelin three-star chef on the terrace facing the sea, with freshly picked tropical fruits and freshly ground Kona coffee to wake them up for the day.

On the first day, they went out to sea on a private yacht.

This 42-meter-long superyacht is equipped with six crew members and a private chef.

On the azure Pacific Ocean, they snorkel among the colorful coral reefs and swim with sea turtles.

At lunchtime, the chef prepares Hawaiian specialties on-site, with fresh traditional Hawaiian raw fish bowls and grilled mahi-mahi fish leaving a lasting impression.

"I have never seen such a beautiful ocean." Guo Xiaohan leaned back on the yacht's sofa, enjoying the gentle sea breeze.

Born in Southeast Asia, Guo Xiaohan has had a special affinity for the ocean since childhood, but the sea in Hawaii still amazes her.

"The seawater here is so clear, and the coral reefs are even more colorful than those in the South Seas."

The next day, Lin Haoran arranged a surprise for Guo Xiaohan.

A helicopter carried them over Oahu, offering breathtaking aerial views of Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay.

The helicopter eventually landed on a private beach where a romantic candlelight dinner had been prepared.

Hawaiian dancers in traditional costumes performed hula dances for them, while the setting sun slowly sank into the sea in the distance.

"This is all so wonderful." Guo Xiaohan nestled in Lin Haoran's arms, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Over the next few days, they experienced Hawaii's top leisure activities.

Spin a round of golf at a private golf course on the coast of Kohala, enjoy world-class spa treatments at the Four Seasons Resort on Lanai, explore the underwater world by submarine, or even watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala volcano on Maui.

Every night, they would dine at different Michelin-starred restaurants, from traditional Hawaiian luo feasts to innovative Pacific fusion cuisine, their taste buds experiencing one feast after another.

"This week has felt like a dream," Guo Xiaohan remarked at dinner on the last day.

Lin Haoran raised his glass and lightly clinked it with his: "This is just the beginning. We will go to many more beautiful places in the future."

For him, this experience was indeed rare, and he enjoyed the happiness of being rich.

However, even during his vacation, Lin Haoran kept a close eye on business developments.

He would take time every day to call Su Zhixue to learn about the progress of the US stock market.

As he predicted, after a final frenzy, US stocks began to show signs of weakness, rising for only five days before finally stalling.

After noticing the stock price was sluggish, Su Zhixue also began to sell the stocks he had borrowed through leveraged short selling at high prices.

"Boss, your judgment was absolutely correct." Su Zhixue couldn't hide his excitement on the phone. "The US stock market has started to correct today, and our short positions have already begun to profit."

In particular, Wang Laboratories and Drysdale Securities saw their shares fall by 4.2% and 5.7% respectively today.

Standing on the suite's terrace, Lin Haoran gazed at the shimmering sea in the distance and calmly instructed, "Stay vigilant. This could very well be just the beginning. Remember to manage your position size carefully and don't rush things."

“Understood. We’ve started selling the shorted shares in batches, and the profits are quite substantial so far,” Su Zhixue reported, providing specific data. “In particular, following your instructions, we sold a large number of Wang Laboratories shares at the high price, and the share price has now begun to fall.”

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

All of this was within his expectations; the market frenzy would eventually subside, and a return to rationality was only a matter of time.

The week-long holiday passed in the blink of an eye.

On December 6th, Lin Haoran and his entourage finally boarded their private plane back to Hong Kong.

On the private jet on the return trip, Guo Xiaohan looked through the photos, her face showing both satisfaction and disappointment.

This week may have been one of the most unforgettable holidays of her life.

From the sunrise at Waikiki Beach to the starry sky over Haleakala, from a champagne dinner on a private yacht to a breathtaking aerial view from a helicopter, every moment is like a scene from a movie.

"Reluctant to leave?" Lin Haoran asked gently.

Guo Xiaohan sighed softly, "Yes, it feels so good to be with you all the time, but I know there are more important things waiting for you in Hong Kong."

"Life is long, we are still young, and we have plenty of time in the future!" Lin Haoran said with a smile, holding her hand.

Guo Xiaohan nodded emphatically.

Sixteen hours later, on the morning of December 7th, Lin Haoran's private plane was circling over Hong Kong.

Through the porthole, the familiar Victoria Harbour and the rows of skyscrapers gradually came into view.

After being away for nearly a month, Lin Haoran has finally returned to Hong Kong!

(End of this chapter)