In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Not long after Liu Xiaoli left, Lin Haoran heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

He glanced at his watch; only twenty minutes had passed. Liu Luanxiong had arrived even faster than he had anticipated.

There was a knock on the office door. Lin Haoran responded, and Liu Luanxiong rushed in.

He was wearing a well-tailored dark gray suit, and his hair was neatly combed, but there was a hint of fatigue in his eyes.

"Haoran, you're finally back!" Liu Luanxiong strode forward and shook hands warmly with Lin Haoran. "How was your trip to America? I saw in the news reports that you stirred up quite a storm there!"

Lin Haoran smiled and invited him to sit down: "I was just telling the truth. Those people on Wall Street can't stand the truth."

Liu Luanxiong sat down on the sofa, took the teacup Lin Haoran handed him, took a sip, and said, "I think your remarks in the United States are very reliable. I believe you, so I have already made some plans!"

To be honest, I made several hundred million dollars in the US stock market a few months ago. Once you figure out the market dynamics there, making money isn't as difficult as you might imagine.

Lin Haoran was not surprised; he had already learned of Liu Luanxiong's outstanding performance in the investment field from Cui Zilong.

"It seems your title of 'stock market sniper' isn't for nothing."

Liu Luanxiong waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "What sniper? It's just good luck. Compared to you, what is my skill?"
Speaking of which, I have to thank you for your guidance back then, which gave me a completely new understanding of investing.

Back then, Liu Luanxiong used the money he earned from the fan export business to buy a lot of properties and land, as Lin Haoran suggested. He then quickly sold them off at the peak of his wealth, which greatly increased his net worth.

This resulted in him having a huge cash flow but not knowing what to invest in.

After all, the fan export industry has reached a bottleneck, and business will only get worse from now on, so there is no need for further expansion.

After obtaining Lin Haoran's advice, Liu Luanxiong ventured into the stock market to test the waters.

Subsequently, under Lin Haoran's management, Aimeigao Company was listed on the stock exchange, which resulted in huge returns.

This series of successes made Liu Luanxiong admire Lin Haoran's vision and judgment to the point of complete awe, and he also tasted the sweetness of financial investment.

Compared to the slow, step-by-step accumulation of wealth in the real economy, he was deeply fascinated by the rapid wealth growth in the capital market.

Therefore, after Jianing Group acquired a controlling stake in Aimeigao Company, Liu Luanxiong teamed up with Lin Haoran to establish Far East Investment Company, becoming a professional investor.

Lin Haoran also offered many insights into the global economy and financial markets, which broadened Liu Luanxiong's investment perspective.

In retrospect, these pointers have played a crucial role.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Liu Luanxiong got down to business: "Haoran, actually, I came to see you today because there's something important I want to discuss with you."

Lin Haoran nodded, signaling him to continue.

"With the end of the year fast approaching, Far East Investment Company's performance this year has been outstanding." Liu Luanxiong took out a financial statement from his briefcase and handed it to Lin Haoran. "As of last week, the company's total assets had reached HK$42.5 billion, and net profit exceeded HK$37 billion."

Lin Haoran took the report and quickly glanced through it.

Despite being mentally prepared, he couldn't help but be secretly surprised when he saw the specific numbers.

Turning a principal of HK$5 million into HK$42 billion in less than a year is indeed an astonishing rate of return on investment.

"Well done, I knew I hadn't misjudged you!" Lin Haoran placed the report on the coffee table. "What are your plans for handling this profit?"

Liu Luanxiong continued, "This is exactly what I wanted to discuss with you. According to our original agreement, we can distribute profits at the end of the year."

My initial estimate is that if we distribute dividends, we can allocate HK$30 billion, and the remainder can be used as principal for further investment.

Based on your 40% shareholding, you will receive HK$12 billion out of the HK$30 billion.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran couldn't help but tap his fingers on the armrest of the sofa: "12 billion Hong Kong dollars is indeed a considerable sum."

Although 12 billion is not much compared to his terrifying total assets, this amount of money would be enough to cause quite a stir in the Hong Kong business world if it were in the hands of an ordinary businessman.

Take the upcoming Hong Kong rich list for example. A fortune of HK$12 billion would be enough to secure a place in the top 100 of Hong Kong's rich list, ranking around 60th.

In reality, most of the billionaires on the rich list are just using stock market value or fixed asset valuation to maintain their image; their actual cash flow is far less.

Even getting one of the richest people, ranked in the twentieth or thirties, to come up with HK$12 billion in cash is not an easy task.

Therefore, Lin Haoran would not underestimate this sum of money. If it appeared on the Hong Kong stock market, it would be enough to stir up a storm and even affect the controlling stake of a large listed company.

Lin Haoran pondered for a moment, his eyes flashing with thoughtful light.

“Yes,” Liu Luanxiong nodded, “I just wanted to ask for your opinion. If you want a share of the profits, we’ll split the money; if you think we should continue investing, then we’ll discuss it further.”

Lin Haoran remained silent for a moment, then turned his gaze to the view of Victoria Harbour outside the window.

Several cargo ships were slowly sailing on the sea, while the high-rise buildings of Kowloon Peninsula on the opposite shore gleamed in the sunlight.

Hong Kong's skyline may not be as spectacular as New York's, but it is certainly among the top three in the world.

"Ah Xiong," Lin Haoran withdrew his gaze and slowly spoke, "Do you think now is the right time for us to distribute profits?"

Liu Luanxiong was taken aback: "What do you mean?"

“I mean,” Lin Haoran turned his head, looking sharply at Liu Luanxiong, “isn’t it a bit too early for us to offer 30 billion in dividends now?”

Liu Luanxiong seemed to be thinking: "Haoran, do you mean to temporarily suspend dividends and continue to invest all funds in Far East Investment Company? But aren't you afraid that our funds will suffer losses later?"

After all, Haoran, you should understand the principle of securing profits. Do you really trust my investment skills that much? Aren't you afraid that Far East Investment Company will squander all this hard-earned money?

Lin Haoran chuckled upon hearing this, picked up his teacup, and leisurely took a sip.

“Ah Xiong, you’re right. Taking profits and securing them is indeed a golden rule in the investment world.” He put down his teacup, his eyes revealing a deep meaning. “But I believe even more in this principle: be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”

Liu Luanxiong seemed to understand something: "What do you mean?"

"Although the dividends are now readily available, they come with a huge amount of capital gains tax to pay. It would be better to leave them in the company for reinvestment. Moreover, the US stock market currently offers tremendous opportunities, and we are at a critical juncture when the market is about to turn around."

Lin Haoran stood up and walked to the French windows. “Look at this bustling scene outside the window. How many people are still dreaming that housing prices will rise forever?”
But as you and I both know, a harsh winter is coming for Hong Kong's real estate market.

I have great faith in your investment talent, and I believe you can create more wealth for me. In that case, why should I need to share dividends?

Therefore, I support your decision to continue investing this money!

He only invested HK$2 million in Far East Investment Company, and now if he receives dividends, he can get HK$12 billion. In addition, Far East Investment Company has more than HK$12 billion in operation.

Of Far East Investment Company's total assets of HK$42.5 billion, 40% belonged to him.

In this way, his HK$2 million investment has grown to approximately HK$17 billion in less than a year, more than eight times the original amount.

Such a rate of return on investment is extremely rare in the entire Hong Kong business community.

Compared to the more than 1,000-fold return on investment in Emma Capital, the more than 8-fold return on investment in Far East Investment Company may seem insignificant.

However, there is a fundamental difference between the two.

When investing in Aimego, Lin Haoran personally oversaw the entire process, from the company's initial small workshop to its listing and eventual cash-out and exit, expending a great deal of effort.

Moreover, investing in Emego is a perfect combination of timing and opportunity; such money-making opportunities are extremely rare.

At Far East Investment Company, he only needed to invest funds, while Liu Luanxiong was responsible for the specific investment decisions and daily operations, which was worry-free and effortless.

Lin Haoran had always known that Liu Luanxiong had brought him into the Far East Investment Company not to reduce risk, but simply to maintain their relationship.

After all, he himself is a global super-rich man, and although Liu Luanxiong has made a name for himself in Hong Kong's business world with his keen investment sense, he still needs to rely on Lin Haoran's resources and influence.

However, the cooperative relationship between the two parties at Amigo Company has ended, so Liu Luanxiong needs a new link to continue binding their interests together.

Far East Investment Corporation is the perfect platform for this.

Besides, Liu Luanxiong's motivation was primarily gratitude towards Lin Haoran!
After all, in Liu Luanxiong's view, without Lin Haoran, he wouldn't be where he is today.

Lin Haoran still remembers what Liu Luanxiong said when he brought him into the business: "Haoran, in the whole of Hong Kong, I trust you the most. Without you, I might still be just a small workshop owner. Two years ago, I could never have imagined that my net worth would exceed HK$2 billion today."

You are my benefactor. Without you, I wouldn't be who I am today. And rest assured, no matter how the Hong Kong business world changes in the future, I will always stand firmly by your side. This is my promise!

Lin Haoran was certain that Liu Luanxiong spoke from the bottom of his heart when he said those words.

As for whether things will change in the future, Lin Haoran doesn't care.

After all, he knew that even without his help, Liu Luanxiong would still become one of Hong Kong's top tycoons in the future.

In the business world, it's always better to have more friends than more enemies.

Moreover, Liu Luanxiong is indeed a rare investment genius. With his help in making money, Lin Haoran can save a lot of trouble.

Just like now, in less than a year, HK$200 million has turned into HK$17 billion. If his investment company were to do the same, it would achieve the same return on investment.

But with someone like Liu Luanxiong helping to manage assets and diversify investments, why not?
Moreover, HK$12 billion isn't actually as significant to him as one might imagine. Seeing that Lin Haoran was determined, Liu Luanxiong no longer insisted on a share of the profits.

He gathered his thoughts and said, "Since you've decided not to share profits, I plan to invest all the funds in our plans in the United States. You have no objections, right?"

However, the US stock market has recently experienced a downturn, and I'm unsure how many more opportunities remain. I've already invested $100 million; I wonder if investing the rest would be too risky?

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Ah Xiong, that's a very good question."

After refilling Liu Luanxiong's teacup, he continued, "The US stock market has indeed experienced a downturn, but I think this may only be the beginning. You can proceed with your investment strategy as you see fit. Of course, if you are concerned about the risks, you can also adopt a more conservative approach."

Liu Luanxiong seemed to understand something: "What do you mean?"

“I suggest adopting a phased approach to building positions.” Lin Haoran picked up a pen and a piece of white paper from his desk and drew a simple diagram. “Divide the funds into three to five batches and short sell them in different types of listed companies.”

This approach allows for risk control while ensuring maximum returns during periods of decline in US stocks.

Liu Luanxiong carefully examined the diagram, his eyes gleaming with excitement: "This strategy is brilliant! Diversifying short selling across different types of companies can indeed effectively reduce the risk of a single stock."

“Not only that,” Lin Haoran wrote down several industry names on a piece of paper, “I suggest focusing on the energy, manufacturing, and banking sectors, as these industries are the most affected by the policies implemented by President Reagan.”

“I understand.” Liu Luanxiong carefully noted it down. “However, Haoran, if we follow this strategy, we might need to use some leverage. Do you think that’s appropriate?”

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Of course, you can use appropriate leverage. You and your team can decide that yourselves."

He didn't tell Liu Luanxiong that his Huanyu Investment Company had already invested heavily in US stocks.

He was curious to see what kind of surprise Liu Luanxiong would bring him if he kept those billions of Hong Kong dollars in his hands!
It seems more interesting to hand over the HK$12 billion in dividends to Universal Investment Company for management.

Thinking of this, Lin Haoran couldn't help but reveal a meaningful smile, while Liu Luanxiong was a little confused, not understanding why Lin Haoran was smiling like that.
Looking at the mysterious smile on Lin Haoran's face, Liu Luanxiong couldn't help but ask in confusion, "Haoran, what's this?"

Lin Haoran suppressed his smile and said seriously, "Ah Xiong, the reason I was smiling is because seeing your cautious and thorough investment approach gives me more confidence in the future of Far East Investment Company."

Liu Luanxiong put down his teacup, but was still somewhat puzzled: "But Haoran, your smile just now seemed to have a deeper meaning..."

Lin Haoran smiled slightly and said, "Axiong, do you know what the most fascinating aspect of investing is?"

"Where?" Liu Luanxiong asked curiously.

"It lies in the uncertainty, just like your current cautious attitude towards the trend of US stocks. This sense of awe for the market is precisely the most valuable quality of an excellent investor."

He put down his pen and continued, "The reason I support your continued investment is not only because I am optimistic about the downside potential of US stocks, but also because I trust your judgment and execution."

Liu Luanxiong suddenly realized, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes: "Haoran, thank you for your trust. I will definitely operate carefully and live up to your expectations."

“However,” Lin Haoran changed the subject, “I want to remind you that in the investment process, in addition to paying attention to market trends, you should also pay close attention to policy changes, especially the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy moves, as these often affect the direction of the entire market.”

“I understand.” Liu Luanxiong nodded. “I will arrange for someone to track the Federal Reserve’s movements and receive the latest analysis reports every day. Perhaps, after a while, I will have to go to the United States in person to oversee things.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

It was Liu Xiaoli who entered.

She came in carrying a plate of exquisite pastries and placed it on the table.

When Liu Luanxiong saw Liu Xiaoli's stunning beauty, he was immediately awestruck.

Although he was a well-traveled businessman, he had rarely seen a woman with such outstanding looks.

Liu Xiaoli gracefully placed the snacks on the coffee table, smiled slightly at the two of them, and then quietly left the office.

"Who is this?" Liu Luanxiong couldn't help but ask curiously.

"Ah Xiong, I know what you're thinking. Don't bother with her anymore, she's my woman now," Lin Haoran laughed.

He naturally knew the character of the man before him; Liu Luanxiong's romantic escapades in his previous life were well-known in Hong Kong.

However, in this life, now that Liu Xiaoli has followed him, he will naturally not let anyone else have her.

Upon hearing this, Liu Luanxiong was taken aback at first, then realized his lapse in composure and quickly explained, "Haoran, you misunderstood. I just thought this young lady had an outstanding temperament, and I had no other intentions. Besides, she is your woman, so I would never have any thoughts about her."

He picked up his teacup and took a sip, trying to cover up his earlier lapse in composure.

Lin Haoran didn't point it out, but instead said, "Axiong, since we've decided not to distribute dividends, let's start planning as soon as possible. Time waits for no one, and market opportunities are fleeting."

"You're right," Liu Luanxiong said seriously. "I'll go back and make the arrangements right away."

"By the way, Ah Xiong, I must congratulate you. At only 30 years old, you've already made it into the top ten richest people in Hong Kong. That's truly an achievement," Lin Haoran said with a smile, his tone filled with sincere admiration.

Upon hearing this, Liu Luanxiong's face showed a mixture of pride and humility: "Haoran, I have to thank you for your guidance. If it weren't for your advice back then, I might still be worrying about the expansion of the fan factory."

Besides, compared to you, what are my achievements worth?

Liu Luanxiong had already been invited by Cui Zilong to attend the rich list release conference, so he already knew that he had just stepped into the top ten richest people, ranking tenth among Hong Kong's top ten richest people.

This achievement is truly remarkable for a businessman who is only thirty years old.

But in front of Liu Luanxiong was the undisputed richest man in Hong Kong. Although he didn't know exactly how much Lin Haoran's assets were, he figured it must be more than ten times that amount.

It can be said that the gap between him and Lin Haoran is like the difference in altitude between Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. They seem to be under the same sky, but in reality, they are worlds apart.

“Ah Xiong, you’re too modest,” Lin Haoran said seriously. “A net worth of five billion Hong Kong dollars is already top-tier in Hong Kong. More importantly, most of your current wealth is in cash and liquid assets, which is extremely rare on the rich list.”

A hint of pride flashed in Liu Luanxiong's eyes, but he quickly regained his humility: "This is all thanks to you, Haoran. Without your help, I wouldn't be where I am today."

To be honest, however, making it into the top ten richest people at the age of thirty really exceeded my initial expectations.

“This is just the beginning,” Lin Haoran said meaningfully. “With your investment talent, your future achievements will be far more than this. I predict that by this time next year, your net worth will likely reach a new level.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Luanxiong's eyes flashed with excitement: "Haoran, with your support, I am full of confidence in the future, however..."

"But what?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.

Liu Luanxiong paused, then said with a hint of worry, "After this rich list is released, I am worried that it will attract too much attention. After all, I am the youngest among the top ten richest people, and my wealth mainly comes from investments. The market value of the listed companies under my control is only a little over HK$100 million, which is quite different from those rich people who do real business."

"You don't need to worry about that," Lin Haoran waved his hand. "Investing and getting rich is not uncommon in the global business world. The important thing is that every penny you have is earned honestly. Besides, with me, the richest man in the world, ahead of you, who would pay special attention to you, who is ranked tenth?"

Liu Luanxiong smiled knowingly: "That's true. With you ahead of me, my achievements are really nothing."

The two smiled at each other, and the atmosphere was relaxed and happy.

After seeing Liu Luanxiong off, Lin Haoran stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the view of Victoria Harbour.

He naturally knew that Liu Luanxiong, this "stock market sniper," would create even more legends in the future.

The HK$200 million he casually invested might bring him unexpected surprises in the future.

"It seems this game of capital is getting more and more interesting," Lin Haoran muttered to himself.

At that moment, the office door opened again, and Liu Xiaoli walked in.

After closing the door, she sat down next to Lin Haoran, picked up a pastry, and put it in his mouth.

"Boss, was that the famous stock market sniper Liu Luanxiong just now?" Liu Xiaoli asked curiously.

"Yeah, what do you think of him?" Lin Haoran joked.

"Not as young as you, not as handsome as you, not as rich as you, just average." Liu Xiaoli winked playfully and picked up a pastry to feed Lin Haoran.

Lin Haoran was amused by her blunt comparison: "You, you're getting better and better at talking."

"I'm just telling the truth." Liu Xiaoli obediently sat on Lin Haoran's lap, letting him grope her all over.

This was naturally Liu Xiaoli's true thought.

Liu Luanxiong's appearance was average, and he was indeed much less handsome than Lin Haoran.

Not to mention the huge gap in wealth, which made Liu Xiaoli look down on this "stock market sniper" who had just entered the top ten richest people.

Lin Haoran gently stroked Liu Xiaoli's long hair and laughed, "Your standards are getting higher and higher. Liu Luanxiong is quite a figure in Hong Kong's business world, but in your mouth he's worthless."

“In my heart, no one can compare to the boss.” Liu Xiaoli nestled in his arms and said softly, “Besides, the way he looks at people makes me uncomfortable; I always feel like he’s calculating.”

"Who in the business world doesn't have some calculations in their mind?" Lin Haoran said dismissively.

Liu Xiaoli looked up and said seriously, "Boss, I think you should be more careful."

Lin Haoran looked at Liu Xiaoli in surprise, not expecting her to have such keen observation skills.

He gently pinched her cheek and chuckled, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Liu Luanxiong is indeed talented, but he can't escape my grasp!" (End of Chapter)