In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

After leaving the Kang Le Building, Lin Haoran first took Liu Xiaoli back to her villa in the Mid-Levels of Wan Chai.

Afterwards, amidst the other party's reluctant gaze, they left the hillside villa and headed to Hengfeng Building.

Tonight is the last night of 1981.

After midnight, it will be 1982, which is the fifth year since Lin Haoran transmigrated here.

The day before, Guan Jiahui called Lin Haoran in advance, saying that she hoped Lin Haoran could spend New Year's Eve with her and that she had a surprise for him.

After thinking it over for a while, Lin Haoran realized that Guo Xiaohan was still in Xiangshan City and hadn't returned yet, so he agreed to spend this special night with her.

As for Guan Jiahui's suggestion to give him a surprise, Lin Haoran didn't think much of it.

This apartment in Hengfeng Building is the first apartment Lin Haoran bought with his own abilities after he transmigrated.

At the same time, it was also the first place that Lin Haoran gave to Guan Jiahui after she became his woman.

As for why I want to come back here tonight, the reason is simple.

Tonight is New Year's Eve, and there will be a New Year's Eve fireworks display in Victoria Harbour. You can watch the beautiful New Year's Eve fireworks from your residence in Hang Fung Building.

As for Kwan Ka-wai's current residence, the villa on Old Peak Road, although it is quieter, the view is blocked by the high-rise buildings in Central and Wan Chai.

It was 9:30 p.m. when the car slowly drove into the underground parking lot of Hengfeng Building.

Perhaps because it was New Year's Eve, the Hengfeng Building was already deserted and very quiet.

Only occasionally would a security guard on duty walk by in the building.

Lin Haoran, wearing sunglasses and a hat, walked inside the building with Li Weidong and Li Weiguo without attracting anyone's attention.

When a security guard tried to approach him to ask questions, he showed his resident card, and the guard wisely went to patrol other areas.

He stepped out of the elevator and into the apartment located on a high floor of the building.

He has rarely come here since he bought the villa on Shi Xun Road.

After Kwan Ka-wai moved to Old Peak Road, he came even less often.

However, people still come here regularly to clean.

Unlike the luxurious and grand villas in Wan Chai, the apartment in Heng Fung Building is decorated in a warm and exquisite style, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of young girls.

This was arranged by Kwan Ka-wai herself during her stay there.

"Brother Haoran!"

As soon as the door opened, a lithe figure rushed over.

Kwan Ka-wai was wearing a soft, off-white loungewear set, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, and her face beaming with undisguised joy.

She jumped up and wrapped her arms around Lin Haoran's neck, kissing him on the cheek.

"You're finally here! I thought you were going to be busy until midnight again." Her voice carried a hint of coquettish complaint, but her eyes sparkled with joy at seeing her beloved.

After the two gates were closed, the two brothers, Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, left silently.

They will spend the night in the house across the street so that anything that happens can be dealt with promptly.

A year ago, Lin Haoran had already bought the entire top five floors of Hengfeng Building.

If it weren't for the complicated ownership of the building downstairs, which belongs to a British company and which has no intention of selling, Lin Haoran would have bought the entire building long ago.

Lin Haoran put his arm around her slender waist and said with a smile, "How could I forget what I promised you?"

"Brother Haoran, thank you!" Guan Jiahui buried her head in his chest.

Lin Haoran ruffled her hair, noticing a faint aroma of food in the air: "What did you prepare?"

"I cooked for myself!" Guan Jiahui said proudly, pulling him towards the restaurant. "Although it's not as good as your chefs' cooking, it's all your favorite dishes."

On the long table in the restaurant, there were indeed a few simple home-style dishes: steamed grouper, garlic broccoli, braised pork ribs, and a pot of steaming chicken soup.

Although the plating wasn't particularly exquisite, it was clear that it was made with care.

"I've been learning from Aunt Li for a long time," Guan Jiahui said, looking at Lin Haoran's expression with some nervousness. "Why don't you try it?"

Aunt Li is a maid at the villa on Old Hilltop Road. She is responsible for cooking for Guan Jia Hui and was sent by Lin Hao Ran. Her loyalty is over 80, so she is trustworthy.

Lin Haoran picked up his chopsticks, tasted each item, and then nodded with a smile, saying, "It's delicious."

"Really?" Guan Jiahui's eyes lit up even more.

"Really." Lin Haoran pulled her to sit down next to him. "But don't work so hard next time. We can eat out, or have a chef cook for us."

“That’s different.” Guan Jiahui rested her chin on her hand as she watched him eat, her eyes gentle. “I want to do something for you, something I don’t usually have the chance to do.”

Lin Haoran's heart stirred slightly, and he reached out to hold her hand: "You've done very well."

The two of them ate and chatted.

Guan Jiahui talked about the recent situation of her clothing chain store.

Clearly, the business of high-end clothing chain stores has been significantly affected by the economic crisis.

However, Kwan Ka-wai's clothing chain stores rely on Hongkong Land Group, so even if the turnover declines, they will still not lose money.

Guan Jiahui is destined to be quite special to Lin Haoran.

First of all, she was the first woman Lin Haoran won over after he transmigrated to this world.

Secondly, unlike Liu Xiaoli and Yamada Keiko, Guan Jiahui has her own career.

In this monogamous world, she was destined not to appear in the public eye, but could only stay by Lin Haoran's side as his lover.

But that doesn't stop her from having her own space.

Lin Haoran had planned her future long ago, not letting her enter the entertainment industry, but also not letting her completely depend on him, but rather letting her have her own career and pursuits.

After all, he knew how chaotic the entertainment industry was.

Therefore, although Guan Jiahui's clothing chain stores received support from Lin Haoran's resources, she actually managed them all by herself.

“The sales at the Landmark store this month have dropped by 30 percent compared to last month,” Guan Jiahui said with some concern. “Many regular customers have said that they are short of money lately and are trying to save on clothing expenses wherever possible.”

Lin Haoran nodded: "This is a problem of the overall environment. There's no need to blame yourself too much. As long as we keep the cash flow going, the business will naturally recover once this crisis is over."

“I know.” Guan Jiahui pursed her lips. “I just feel like I haven’t done a good enough job. If I were more knowledgeable about business, maybe I could find new opportunities in times like these…”

“You’ve done an excellent job.” Lin Haoran put down his chopsticks and looked at her seriously. “Remember, in an economic downturn, not losing money is the greatest victory.”

What you need to do now is not to expand blindly, but to stabilize the existing situation, optimize inventory, control costs, and wait for the crisis to pass. The market will reward those companies that survive.

Guan Jiahui listened carefully, her eyes gradually regaining their light: "Brother Haoran, thank you. Every time I talk to you, I feel more at ease."

"Because you are very capable," Lin Haoran said with a smile. "You just lack some experience. When I was your age, I was still in the exploratory stage."

"Brother Haoran, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today," Guan Jiahui said, shaking her head.

Back then, her father had to flee due to huge debts, leaving her alone in Hong Kong. If it weren't for Lin Haoran, she would have had no choice but to enter the entertainment industry, a notorious cesspool, to earn money and pay off her debts.

Perhaps because of this, in order to earn money, she had to take on some movies she didn't like, seek to marry a rich man, and was even labeled a "pretty face".

However, Guan Jiahui in this world, under Lin Haoran's protection and guidance, embarked on a completely different path in life.

“You know,” Guan Jiahui put down her chopsticks, her eyes drifting away, “when my dad ran away, the creditors were blocking the door. I was only eighteen years old and had no idea what to do.”

My mother took my younger brother and left Hong Kong for America a long time ago. I had no relatives or friends in Hong Kong. If it weren't for you, I really wouldn't know what to do.

"Have your parents contacted you?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.

"Yes, Daddy called me and said he would pay me back once he made money in Taiwan. He told me to be careful living in Hong Kong. I didn't tell him that I had already paid him back."

When my mother found out that I had stopped studying in Hong Kong and started working, she would occasionally ask me to send some money to help them out. She said life was very difficult in the United States. Kwan Ka-wai clearly didn't want to talk about her parents.

However, she took a deep breath and continued, "To be honest, sometimes I find it quite ironic that when Daddy got into trouble, his first thought was to run away, leaving me alone in Hong Kong to face the creditors."

My mother knew my situation perfectly well, but she still asked me for money.

Lin Haoran held her hand: "You've done very well. You don't need to worry about those things anymore."

Guan Jiahui shook her head with a wry smile: "Brother Haoran, you know what? Sometimes I'm so grateful that fate brought me into this world, but sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't met you?"

She paused, her voice becoming very soft: "If I hadn't met you, perhaps I would have signed a long-term contract with TVB to pay off my debts, been bossed around on set, and made movies that I myself couldn't stand."

Then, while she's still young and beautiful, she quickly marries a rich man; in other people's eyes, she's nothing more than a pretty face who got ahead by relying on her looks.

Lin Haoran did not respond upon hearing this.

Guan Jiahui looked up at him, a complex light in her eyes: "If you hadn't given me the choice, I might really have gone down that path. When people are in dire straits, they have very few options."

Lin Haoran remained silent for a moment.

He knew that what Guan Jiahui said was true.

In another time and space, Guan Jiahui did indeed experience those things. Although she later became a goddess of her generation, only she herself knew the hardships she endured in her early days in the entertainment industry.

“So I want to thank you, not only because you helped me pay off my debts and gave me the life I have now,” Guan Jiahui looked at him earnestly, “but also because you gave me the most precious thing: the power to choose.”

Tears welled up in her eyes: "You told me that there are other possibilities in my life. I can study, I can learn to do business, and I can live with dignity through my own abilities."

You've never treated me as an appendage, but rather encouraged me to be an independent individual. Therefore, even knowing that I can only be your secret lover for life, I'm willing!

Lin Haoran gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes: "This is what you deserve. You have the ability, you just lack the opportunity."

“No, not everyone gets such an opportunity.” Guan Jiahui shook her head. “Many people spend their whole lives waiting for opportunities from others, but you put the opportunity right in front of me and taught me how to seize it.”

She recalled the scene of her first meeting with Lin Haoran.

At that time, Lin Haoran had not yet risen to prominence in the business world, and she was still just a student.

"Brother Haoran, do you remember the first time we met?" Guan Jiahui asked.

Lin Haoran nodded upon hearing this.

He naturally remembered, after all, only a little over three years had passed.

“I remember it very clearly,” Guan Jiahui said softly, a look of reminiscence in her eyes. “It was a celebration party for a movie my dad starred in. I went with my dad to broaden my horizons, but I was actually quite unwilling.”

Lin Haoran nodded, also recalling that day.

That was in 1978, his first year in this world.

His father, Lin Wan'an, took him to a movie celebration banquet, intending to expose him to Hong Kong's high society and expand his network. The banquet was filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and the presence of numerous celebrities.

Lin Haoran wasn't very interested in this kind of occasion and was just looking for a quiet corner when he unexpectedly saw a familiar face.

“You were wearing a dark suit and sitting in the corner, with a somewhat aloof look in your eyes,” Guan Jiahui described. “The first time I saw you, I felt that you were different from the others at the banquet.”

They're all busy socializing, but you're just sitting in the corner, seemingly bored, munching on sunflower seeds.

Lin Haoran chuckled: "I did find it very boring at the time."

“But I noticed you.” A sly glint flashed in Guan Jiahui’s eyes.

"My sunflower seed shells fell onto your shoes," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.

Guan Jiahui blushed: "Yes, I was also bored at the time, and I never expected to have such an encounter with you."

She paused, mimicking her tone from back then: "If a simple 'sorry' could solve everything, what would be the point of having police?"

Lin Haoran laughed too: "I replied to you at the time, 'So, according to you, I have to buy you a new pair of shoes as atonement?'"

"You remember so clearly?" Guan Jiahui was a little surprised, then a gentle ripple appeared in her eyes. "I still remember the way you spoke that day."

The two reminisced about the little things from back then.

Although more than three years have passed, those scenes still feel like they happened just yesterday.

“Actually, I never thought we would get to where we are today,” Guan Jiahui said softly. “At the time, I just thought you were an interesting person and wanted to get to know you. I never imagined that getting to know you would change my life.”

Lin Haoran held her hand: "Perhaps this is fate."

“It must be fate,” Guan Jiahui said earnestly. “Otherwise, why would it be you who dropped the sunflower seed shells on my shoe out of so many people? Why would we meet in so many different places?”

Her eyes shone: "Brother Haoran, do you know? Sometimes I wonder if God saw how pitiful I was and sent you to save me."

“It’s not about saving you,” Lin Haoran corrected. “It’s about meeting you. We met, and together we created who you are today.”

Guan Jiahui smiled: "That's right. I chose this path myself, and I worked hard to get to where I am today. But you gave me the opportunity to choose, and that's more important to me than anything else."

After eating some food, the two took a bath together.

Then, I sat on the sofa in the lobby and admired the night view of Victoria Harbour through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Perhaps because it's New Year's Eve, the lights are still on even though it's late at night.

As time passed, Lin Haoran could see through the glass window that the waterfront on the south bank of Victoria Harbour was already crowded with people.

These people are all waiting for the New Year's Eve fireworks.

The two were wearing pajamas, and Guan Jiahui nestled in Lin Haoran's arms, recounting her emotional journey over the past three years.

Lin Haoran's hand, meanwhile, reached restlessly inside Guan Jiahui's pajamas.

“Actually, I was very uneasy a while ago,” Guan Jiahui said softly, her fingers unconsciously playing with the buttons on Lin Haoran’s pajamas. “I know you have a fiancée now, and I know our relationship is something that can’t be made public.”

I keep wondering if you're just playing around, and that you'll forget about me once the novelty wears off.

Lin Haoran looked down at her: "Do you still feel this unease now?"

Guan Jiahui shook her head: "No, it's been more than three years. If you just wanted to play around, you would have gotten tired of it long ago. But not only did you not get tired of it, you have also supported me and helped me plan my future so that I can have my own career."

These are not things that someone who just plays around would do.

She looked up at Lin Haoran, her eyes full of trust: "I know you are genuinely good to me and sincerely hope that I can live a good life. I can feel your sincerity."

Lin Haoran's heart stirred slightly, and he gently stroked her long hair: "It's good that you think this way."

“But sometimes I still worry,” Guan Jiahui said. “It’s not that I’m worried you’ll change your mind, it’s that I’m not good enough for you and don’t deserve your feelings.”

So I worked incredibly hard, trying to make the clothing store successful and to become a better person. I didn't want to be just a parasitic plant forever; I wanted to stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

“You’ve already done it,” Lin Haoran said earnestly. “Now you have your own career, your own ideas, and you’re an independent woman. I believe you will definitely become a remarkable female entrepreneur in the future.”

Guan Jiahui stared at him, finally realizing that he was telling the truth.

She leaned back into his arms, a warm feeling welling up inside her.

This is what makes Lin Haoran different from other men.

He never treated her as an appendage, and never restricted her growth.

On the contrary, he always encouraged her to fly higher and go further.

"Brother Haoran, I love you," she whispered.

“I love you too,” Lin Haoran replied.

Outside the window, the countdown to Victoria Harbour grew louder and louder.

There are only a few minutes left until midnight.

"ten!"

"Nine!"

"Eight!"

The countdown echoed from Victoria Harbour, and the whole city seemed to be cheering for the arrival of the New Year.

Guan Jiahui stood up and pulled Lin Haoran to the French windows: "It's almost midnight, let's go watch the fireworks."

The two stood by the window, taking in the dazzling night view of Victoria Harbour.

The lights of Kowloon across the water spread out like a galaxy, with boats shuttling back and forth on the sea, creating a shimmering play of light and shadow.

Victoria Harbour at this moment is breathtakingly beautiful.

"three!"

"two!"

"one!"

"Happy New Year!"

In the very first second of 1982, the first golden firework burst into the night sky.

Immediately afterwards, countless fireworks soared into the sky, adorning the night sky of Hong Kong with dazzling splendor.

Guan Jiahui turned around, stood on tiptoe, and kissed Lin Haoran's lips.

The kiss was tender and affectionate, carrying hopes for the New Year and promises for the future.

Fireworks burst above their heads, their light shimmering on their faces.

At this moment, time seemed to stand still.

As the fireworks display reached its climax, Guan Jiahui whispered in Lin Haoran's ear, "Brother Haoran, I have a surprise for you."

"What surprise?" Lin Haoran asked with a slight smile.

"I'm pregnant!" Guan Jiahui finally mustered up her courage and said it.

Guan Jiahui had told Lin Haoran before that she wanted a child that belonged to both of them.

However, Lin Haoran's intention at the time was to have another child in two years, because he hoped that his first child would be born to his legal wife, Guo Xiaohan, as their eldest son.

As for Kwan Ka-wai, being a mistress, her child could be born a little later.

Although Kwan Ka-wai was somewhat disappointed by the decision at the time, she eventually understood it.

In an era that values ​​tradition and social status, especially in a place like Hong Kong, the eldest son's status does indeed hold special significance.

Guo Xiaohan is Lin Haoran's lawfully wedded wife, and her child is the rightful heir to the family business.

However, when Guan Jiahui said the words "I'm pregnant," Lin Haoran's expression clearly froze for a moment.

Fireworks were still blooming outside the window, casting flickering light and shadow on their faces.

The living room was so quiet that you could hear each other breathing.

"When did you find out?" Lin Haoran's voice was calm, revealing no emotion.

“Last week,” Guan Jiahui looked at him cautiously, “I originally wanted to tell you right away, but then I thought that since it’s New Year’s Eve, I wanted to give you a surprise…”

She paused, her voice growing softer and softer: "I'm sorry, Haoran, I know you wanted Xiaohan to give birth to the first child. I didn't mean to, and I didn't expect it to happen so suddenly."

Lin Haoran's feelings were mixed, a mixture of surprise and astonishment.

This unexpected event did disrupt some of his plans, but seeing Guan Jiahui's anxious expression, his heart softened.

The two usually take contraceptive measures when they have sex, but sometimes Lin Haoran is too lazy to do so.

After all, contraception is never as satisfying as that direct pleasure.

Unexpectedly, a few careless moments led to me falling victim to the virus.

He gently pulled her into his arms: "Don't apologize, being pregnant is a good thing."

"Really?" Guan Jiahui looked up, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of anticipation and unease. "You're really not angry?"

"Why are you angry?" Lin Haoran shook his head. "I was just a little surprised, but since we're here, it's fate, and we should cherish it."

Tears welled up in Guan Jiahui's eyes instantly, these were tears of joy: "Brother Haoran, thank you. I was so afraid you would be angry and make me abort the child."

"How could I?" Lin Haoran wiped away her tears. "This is our child, our flesh and blood. How could I bear to part with him?"

He looked down at Guan Jiahui's still flat stomach and a strange feeling welled up inside him.

This is his first child after he transmigrated to this world. Although he was not born to his legal wife, he is still a continuation of his bloodline.

"What did the doctor say?" Lin Haoran asked. "Is everything alright?"

“The doctor said she’s very healthy, and it’s been two months.” Guan Jiahui’s face showed maternal tenderness. “I originally wanted to wait a little longer before telling you, but I just couldn’t resist.”

"Fool, you should have told me this right away."

Lin Haoran gently stroked her cheek and smiled, "From today onwards, you need to take good care of yourself and not overwork yourself. The clothing store can be handled by a professional manager. Your most important thing now is to take good care of your health."

Bathed in the glow of the fireworks over Victoria Harbour, the two nestled together in front of the floor-to-ceiling window.

Guan Jiahui gently placed her hand on her lower abdomen, while Lin Haoran's hand covered the back of her hand. (End of Chapter)