In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

In the banquet hall, even Governor Merrih applauded, and his gaze toward Lin Haoran held not only admiration but also a layer of caution.

This young tycoon's influence has long since transcended the business realm, and he has begun to deeply intervene in all aspects of Hong Kong society.

Most importantly, he was very clear that Lin Haoran's business empire was no longer limited to the small town of Hong Kong, but had already extended to many places overseas.

The assets disclosed now may only represent a portion of his total assets.

Oriental Media Group is ultimately the other party's property and is completely controlled by them. Mai Lihao has reason to believe that Lin Haoran has definitely concealed his wealth.

So when Cui Zilong announced the figure of HK$678 billion, Mak Lai-ho was shocked, and his first reaction was that he couldn't believe that this was Lin Haoran's total wealth.

However, he was well aware that, as the Governor of Hong Kong, maintaining a good relationship with Lam Ho-yin was crucial for preserving Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

He had met some top billionaires before, but the sheer power and methods behind someone like Lin Haoran, who had accumulated such terrifying wealth at such a young age and whose wealth seemed to be intentionally "underestimated," made even the Governor, who represented the Queen in managing Hong Kong, feel a sense of dread.

Mai Lihao quickly sorted through the information related to Lin Haoran in his mind.

From initially gaining his first fortune through what seemed like a chance encounter with the Kowloon Wharf battle between Paul Y. and Jardine Matheson, to his subsequent series of precise and rapid business expansions, every step he took was perfectly timed to coincide with the development of the times, and he even showed signs of leading the way.

This is not just a matter of business acumen, but also an extraordinary insight into policies, public sentiment, and even the international situation.

What concerned Meryl Streep even more was that Lin Haoran's rise to power, though intense, had always been within the framework of law and rules, maintaining a subtle yet effective interaction and cooperation with the Governor's Office. He was unyielding when necessary and able to come up with satisfactory solutions when cooperation was required.

This image of a "rule-breaking disruptor" is more difficult to deal with and has more potential than that of a pure destroyer or sycophant.

“We cannot allow such an influential figure to become a destabilizing factor. We must bring him into the fold, or rather, get him to voluntarily remain on the path of ‘constructive forces’,” Merriha quickly decided in his mind.

He recalled some recent communications with London regarding long-term plans for Hong Kong's future transition period.

Young leaders like Lin Haoran, who are rooted in Hong Kong, have influence overseas, and whose thinking is not limited to traditional British or Chinese-owned companies, may become a kind of "bridge" or "stabilizer".
Of course, this is on the premise that Lin Haoran is willing and that the other party's interests are deeply tied to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The applause gradually subsided.

Feeling the gazes of the entire audience, Lin Haoran stood up again and walked to the podium.

Cui Zilong immediately and respectfully gave up the main seat.

Under the spotlight, Lin Haoran's figure appeared even more upright.

He didn't speak immediately, but instead slowly swept his calm gaze across the entire room.

His gaze was calm, yet it carried an invisible pressure that quickly silenced the noisy banquet hall.

"Thank you to the Hong Kong Rich List team for their professional assessment, and thank you all for your applause."

Lin Haoran's voice was clearly transmitted to every corner through the speakers, calm and composed, carrying an air of ease and confidence.

“I am very honored to be number one on the Hong Kong Rich List. This number represents a milestone for me personally, but it is by no means the only measure of value, much less the end.”

He paused briefly, letting his voice settle in the silence.

"The accumulation of wealth is inseparable from the tide of the times, from Hong Kong, a free and open land full of opportunities, and even more so from all my colleagues and partners who have fought alongside me, as well as the millions of citizens who have worked hard for this city."

It belongs to this great era, and to everyone who participated in and witnessed Hong Kong's rise.

These words, with their grand vision, instantly integrated personal achievements into the collective narrative, dispelling any sense of alienation that might arise from disparities in wealth, and winning wider acceptance.

Many upper-middle-class tycoons and social celebrities in the audience nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Cui just mentioned that 'wealth means responsibility,' and I wholeheartedly agree. When the amount reaches a certain scale, it no longer belongs solely to an individual or family."

It should become a tool, a source of energy, to drive social progress, improve people's well-being, incubate innovation, and nurture the future.

My company and I have been, are, and will continue to be committed to this: pursuing excellence and efficiency in business, and fulfilling our corporate social responsibility.

He did not list any specific charitable donations or investment projects, but his certainty left no doubt about the weight of his commitment.

Lin Haoran raised his hand and pointed to the rich list on the projection screen behind him, and continued, "The significance of this list is not to create comparisons, nor to solidify social classes."

On the contrary, I hope it is a mirror, reflecting the vitality and depth of Hong Kong's commerce;

It is a ruler that measures our ability to create value and our contributions;
It is also a clarion call, inspiring more insightful individuals and promising young people to dedicate themselves to the great journey of building Hong Kong and creating wealth.

Lin Haoran paused for a moment, then continued, "The future of Hong Kong does not lie in how much a few people own, but in how much of the fruits of development the majority can share, and in whether we can create a more dynamic, fairer, and more sustainable environment for the next generation."

I believe that all of you here, whether you are entrepreneurs on the list or not, are indispensable builders of Hong Kong.

Let us join hands not only to create more business miracles, but also to build a more prosperous, just, and hopeful Hong Kong!

"Clap clap~"

An even louder and longer round of applause swept through the entire venue like a tsunami.

This time, the applause contained even more resonance, excitement, and longing.

Lin Haoran's speech successfully transformed a "review" of wealth into an "initiative" for shared responsibility for Hong Kong's future.

He not only solidified his position as a business leader, but also skillfully cultivated the image of a "social leader" and a "vision provider."

But in reality, only he knew that his purpose in creating this list was not so noble.

It's simply a matter of trying to beat other rich lists and seize the right to define "success" and "status".

Transform these intangible wealth and influence into public and recognized symbols of authority.

This will allow them to occupy a commanding position in future business competition, resource contests, and even the construction of social discourse.

The so-called inspiration for future generations and the recording of the times are nothing more than a more refined way of saying things, wrapped in sugar.

Of course, he would never reveal this calculation to anyone.

Just like now, he still wore that convincing, seemingly serene smile, accepting the cheers and respect of the crowd.

Governor Merrih clapped as he quickly assessed the situation in his mind.

Lin Haoran's speech was politically correct, full of positive energy, and highly inspiring.

He emphasized rules, responsibility, and cooperation, while skillfully linking the individual's fate with that of the city, demonstrating a leadership quality that transcends mere profit-seeking.

This kind of temperament is valuable in calming social emotions that may be triggered by wealth disparity, in building consensus among the elite, and even in presenting a picture of Hong Kong's "stability and prosperity" to London and the North.

"He not only knows how to make money, but also how to use influence and even shape consensus." Mai Lihao's evaluation of Lin Haoran has risen another level.

This young man is well-versed in the rules of the game of power and influence, knowing when to display his strength, when to conceal his brilliance, and when to unveil his vision.

He is not only a "rule-breaker" in business, but is also beginning to show signs of being adept on the broader socio-political stage.

That ability to "shape a vision" is particularly terrifying.

Lin Haoran was naturally unaware that the governor had been thinking a lot in a short period of time, and even if he did know, he wouldn't care.

He was just a governor who was about to leave office.

The speech ended with thunderous and prolonged applause.

Under the intense gaze of countless eyes, Lin Haoran did not immediately return to his seat. Instead, he raised his hand to signal the room to quiet down again.

The calm and confident smile on his face remained unchanged.

"Thank you for your recognition." His voice rang out again. "The prosperity of Hong Kong requires the concerted efforts of all sectors, and the transparency of information, the supervision of public opinion, and the prosperity of culture are also indispensable parts of the healthy development of society."

As the owner of Oriental Media Group and a member of the media industry, I feel a profound sense of responsibility.

The sudden shift in topic caused many people present, including Governor Merrihau, to raise their eyebrows slightly, arousing their curiosity.

Lin Haoran wants to talk about the media?
This seems to be related to the rich list and his grand vision just now, but it also seems to have a deeper meaning.

"Since its establishment, Oriental Media Group has been committed to providing truthful, objective and in-depth news reports, and has tried to record and interpret the economic pulse of our time in innovative ways, such as tonight's list."

As the business scope continues to expand and influence continues to grow, the original company structure is no longer able to support a greater mission and vision.

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Cui Zilong, who was standing not far away. The latter seemed to have a premonition of something, looking at his boss with a mixture of doubt and expectation.

“Therefore,” Lin Haoran’s voice clearly resonated through the speakers to every corner, “I hereby declare that, effective immediately, with Oriental Media Group as its core, all its media and cultural assets will be integrated to formally establish Oriental Media Group!”

A low gasp of surprise rippled through the audience.

Establish a group!

This means that Lin Haoran's ambitions in the media field go far beyond a newspaper or a list.

Is this an attempt to build a media empire?
In reality, the Oriental Media Group of today is no longer the same company that Lin Haoran acquired. Back then, the Oriental Media Group primarily focused on newspapers and magazines.

After the acquisition, Lin Haoran not only handed over the intelligence department and Huanyu Research Company to Oriental Press Group for management, but also Huanyu Security Consulting Company, which is currently the largest security company in Hong Kong, to Oriental Press Group for management.

The compilation of the Hong Kong and even global rich lists is now handled by the Oriental Press Group.

Therefore, today's Oriental Media Group is a complex and unique entity, integrating news publishing, intelligence gathering, market research, data services, and even some special security functions.

Although these businesses are mostly behind the scenes and exist in the form of different subsidiaries or independent departments, the core control is firmly in Lin Haoran's hands, and Cui Zilong is directly responsible for daily operations and management.

Such a large and far-reaching system is already constrained by continuing to operate under the name of a "newspaper company," which is not conducive to its future development towards greater specialization and internationalization, not to mention the need for covert operations in certain sensitive businesses.

The establishment of a group, with a clearer organizational structure and resource integration, is imperative.

Lin Haoran continued without pausing, "At the same time, in order to enable Oriental Media Group and TVB to have a deeper cooperation, I will transfer my 24% stake in TVB to Oriental Media Group!"
The new MediaCorp will encompass newspapers, magazines, publishing, radio and television, data services, market research, and even emerging media formats of the future.

Our goal is to become a top-tier comprehensive media group based in Hong Kong, radiating across Asia, and influencing the world. We not only disseminate information but also dedicate ourselves to building bridges of communication, promoting cultural exchange, and deeply participating in and driving the progress of social civilization.

Upon hearing this, Shao Yifu, who was sitting in the second row below the stage, frowned slightly.

Lin Haoran plans to transfer his personal TVB shares to Oriental Media Group. Is he trying to increase his influence at TVB in the future?

Shao Yifu frowned, alarm bells ringing in his mind.

As one of the founders and the current chairman of the board of directors of TVB, he has always attached great importance to control over TVB.

After all, he has now sold Shaw Brothers Studio to Lam Ho-yin and has already put all his energy into TVB.

Now, hearing Lin Haoran mention transferring shares to his media company, he naturally assumed that Lin Haoran had something on his mind.

Although Lin Haoran had private communication with Li Jia when he acquired 24% of the shares, promising not to interfere with daily operations and to act only as a financial investor and strategic partner.

But Shao Yifu, a seasoned veteran, knew very well how long a promise between businessmen could last in the face of sufficient interests and changing circumstances.
Now that Lin Haoran has injected this portion of the equity into his newly established media group, the nature of the situation is completely different.

MediaCorp aims to become a "top-tier integrated media group that influences the world," and TVB is undoubtedly its most core and readily available asset and channel in the television broadcasting field.

If MediaCorp uses its 24% stake to gain more influence within TVB, or even attempts to affect program direction and personnel arrangements, it would undoubtedly be a crisis of control for Shaw.

He could almost see a lion that had been pacing outside its cage being unchained by its owner and placed in his backyard.

"What exactly is he trying to do? Is it really just 'deeper cooperation'?"

Shao Yifu's mind raced: "Or was the previous promise of non-interference just a stopgap measure to wait for the right opportunity? Now that it has grown strong enough, is it going to show its fangs?"

He subconsciously glanced at the spirited Lin Haoran on the stage, sensing that a covert battle for control of TVB's future might have already quietly begun.

However, Shao Yifu was overthinking it.

Lin Haoran never intended to control TVB.

As long as TVB provides him with the necessary support in public opinion on a regular basis and serves as his voice in critical moments, that is enough for him.

He doesn't need to personally manage the daily affairs of a television station; that's not his interest, and it would distract him.

There's no need for Cui Zilong to control the television station, since the newspaper, intelligence, and security businesses are enough.

He values ​​TVB's influence as Hong Kong's largest free-to-air television platform and its strategic importance as a pillar of the Oriental Media Group in the broadcasting and television sector.

The transfer of equity to the group is intended to institutionalize and deeply integrate this influence into his media empire, ensuring that Oriental Media has greater leverage and influence in content output, channel synergy, and even in potential future media policy negotiations.

Controlling TVB?

That was Shao Yifu's lifeblood, but not Lin Haoran's necessity.

What he wanted was "influence," not "management power."
It is a "synergistic effect," not a "replacement."

Of course, it doesn't matter if Shao Yifu misunderstands. He has always treated this senior businessman with the same respect as he has treated Bao Yugang. He can explain it clearly when the time comes.

The other party was willing to sell Shaw Brothers Studio to him, and had been trying to curry favor with him all along. They had never done anything to wrong him, so he would never betray them or discard them after using them.

In the business world, reputation is paramount, especially when dealing with a respected and influential figure like Shaw. Necessary respect and clear communication are far better than pointless suspicion and confrontation.

Lin Haoran's principle of dealing with things has always been: if we can cooperate and achieve a win-win situation, we will never make too many enemies; if we can bind each other with interests and prospects, we will never start a war lightly.

Controlling TVB would be a bonus for him, but it would be a loss to alienate Shaw Yat-fu, damage the harmonious image of Hong Kong's business community, and even affect his image as a "social leader".

On stage, Lin Haoran seemed oblivious to Shao Yifu's complex gaze, or rather, he sensed the other's worry but felt it was somewhat unnecessary.

When Lin Haoran acquired TVB shares from the Li family and became TVB's largest shareholder, his purpose was never to take control of TVB or steer the Hong Kong television station.

Rather, it was to gain greater influence in the business world and to ensure that his voice and will could be disseminated more widely and effectively through Hong Kong's largest television network, which radiates throughout the entire Chinese-speaking world.

To put it more bluntly, it's all about being able to better control public opinion!
Lin Haoran's goals for the Oriental Media Group are extremely ambitious, even somewhat astonishing.

Even today, in 1981, long-established media giants in Europe and America might not dare to so clearly proclaim the slogan "Influence the world."

But coming from Lin Haoran, who has just reached the pinnacle of wealth and is known for his drive and action, it inexplicably makes one feel that this is not just empty talk.

Lin Haoran's gaze finally fell entirely on Cui Zilong, filled with undisguised trust and expectation.

"The leader of this new group, embarking on this grand journey, will be an outstanding talent who, in the past few years, has led Oriental Media Group to achieve leapfrog development with his excellent vision, extraordinary execution and profound understanding of the media industry."

As Lin Haoran spoke, the spotlight suddenly shone on Cui Zilong.

Caught off guard, Cui Zilong's face showed a moment of astonishment, which was then replaced by immense shock and overwhelming joy.

He had vaguely guessed that his boss might give him a reward or a bigger responsibility tonight, but he never expected it to be such a bombshell!
Lin Haoran's voice was like a final hammer blow: "I am honored to announce that, in my capacity as the owner of Oriental Media Group, I will appoint Mr. Cui Zilong as the first Chairman and CEO of Oriental Media Group!"

Exclamations of amazement, congratulations, and disbelief once again filled the hall.

Countless eyes were focused on Cui Zilong. This man, who was previously seen more as Lin Haoran's "shadow" or senior manager, was instantly thrust into the center of the spotlight, becoming the helmsman of a media empire aimed at influencing the world!
This trust, this entrustment, this leap to become a media giant that will likely play a pivotal role in Hong Kong and even throughout Asia in the future, has shocked everyone.

Everyone knows that Choi Ja-ryong will become a media mogul of great importance in Asia and even the world in the future.

Amidst the fervent gazes and clamor, Cui Zilong took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the excitement that was about to burst from his chest.

He knew that one of the most crucial moments of his life had arrived.

He straightened his already impeccable suit and tie and walked steadily toward the podium.

The moment his eyes met Lin Haoran's, he saw the heavy trust, the unreserved support, and the profound expectation of "it's up to you" in his boss's eyes.

Cui Zilong responded with a barely perceptible nod, then bowed deeply to Lin Haoran.

This bow was filled with gratitude and was also a silent vow.

Back then, he was just a professional manager for drug lord Ma.

Because the boss was a notorious drug lord, even though the Oriental Daily News became the number one newspaper in sales, the company's reputation was still bad.

As the general manager of Oriental Media Group, he naturally bore considerable pressure and criticism. The outside world often linked the success of Oriental Daily News to its shady background, which made him, as a professional manager, feel constrained and frustrated.

Despite his exceptional business acumen in making the newspaper a resounding success, the label of "under a drug lord" always haunted him, limiting the newspaper's and his own reputation and development in mainstream society, especially in high-end political and business circles.

However, the turning point came from Lin Haoran, a young tycoon who had already made a name for himself. He took over Oriental Media Group with lightning speed, completely severing the old shady relationships and leading the company onto a completely new track.

For Cui Zilong, it was not just about changing bosses, but a complete reshuffling and sublimation of his career and even his life trajectory.

Lin Haoran not only took over all the original key business personnel, but also gave him unprecedented trust and power, allowing him to continue to lead Oriental Media Group and let him carry out reforms and expansions in accordance with the concept of modern media enterprises.

More importantly, Lin Haoran brought with him a "clean" background, substantial capital, extensive connections, and a far-sighted strategic vision that seemed to foresee the future.

Since then, Oriental Press Group has ceased to be a marginal "tabloid giant" and has rapidly transformed into a legitimate force in Hong Kong's media industry that cannot be ignored, possessing both market influence and a sense of social responsibility.

He, Cui Zilong, can finally break free from the shadows of the past and walk proudly in Hong Kong's high society as a respected media elite.

In recent years, he has witnessed firsthand how Lin Haoran built a vast business empire at an astonishing speed, and he has also personally participated in and led every leap forward of Oriental Media Group under Lin Haoran's leadership.

From integrating intelligence networks and expanding research operations to venturing into the security field, and now leading the compilation of this Hong Kong-shaking rich list.

Every step he took made him admire the young boss's courage and wisdom immensely.

Now, the boss has not only handed over the Oriental Media Group, which integrates all these resources and aims to influence the world, to him, but has also given him the supreme power of "Chairman and CEO"!
This is more than just a matter of gratitude for being recognized and appreciated.

This is truly a blessing!
It propelled him from a professional manager who might have been stigmatized for life and confined to a small world to a media giant who could influence the trends of the times!
This recognition and support is as weighty as a mountain.

What surged within Cui Zilong was not only ecstatic joy, but also a burning loyalty—the kind that would lead a scholar to die for one who understands him—and an unwavering determination to live up to expectations and create a glorious future. (End of Chapter)