In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Upon hearing He Shanheng's sentiments, Lin Haoran nodded and smiled, "Uncle He, the details of the 'Revitalization Plan' need to be finalized as soon as possible, but more crucial is our internal 'prey list'."

It would be best if the Galaxy Strategic Development Committee took the lead in this matter. You, Ma Shimin, Burton, Chen Shulin, Wei Li and others should discuss how much each of you should contribute and how to allocate the funds.

Taking advantage of the window of opportunity presented by the 'decapitation operation' and the secret talks between the Governor's Office and the banks, we must re-screen our targets and prioritize them.

It's crucial to clearly distinguish between the "crown jewels" that must be acquired immediately, the "potential assets" that can be observed and negotiated down, and the seemingly tempting but potentially problematic "poisoned apples."

He Shanheng nodded, deeply agreeing.

"Haoran, you're right. This matter must be coordinated by the Galaxy Strategic Development Committee. It's no longer just a matter for Hengsheng alone; it's an opportunity for our entire alliance," He Shanheng said solemnly.

“I immediately contacted Ma Shimin, Burton, Chen Shulin and Wei Li, and asked them to put down everything and gather in the conference room on the top floor of the Kang Le Building within an hour.”

"We need to set the tone and assign tasks within our small circle first."

After saying that, he quickly walked to the telephone and made a call.

Lin Haoran also did not stay in He Shanheng's office.

He walked out of the office, where Li, the editor-in-chief of the Oriental Daily, was drinking tea by himself in the lounge area.

Upon seeing Lin Haoran approach, Editor-in-Chief Li immediately stood up respectfully and greeted, "Boss!"

"Yes, I've already handed over that anonymous document to the Governor's Office. You don't need to handle this anymore; the Governor's Office will take care of it!" Lin Haoran said directly.

Editor-in-Chief Li breathed a sigh of relief.

This document is a hot potato.

Although he knew that once Oriental Daily News reported on this information, it would inevitably cause Oriental Daily News's sales to skyrocket and make it the focus of global attention.

But the ensuing enormous political and commercial risks made him extremely uneasy.

With MediaCorp Chairman Choi Chi-lung away from Hong Kong, the matter is now being handled personally by the boss, and an agreement has been reached with the Governor's Office, finally relieving him of a heavy burden.

"Yes, boss, I understand. The Oriental Daily will not follow up on this matter any further," Editor-in-Chief Li replied immediately.

"No!"

Lin Haoran shook his head and said with a smile, "It's not that we won't follow up, but that we'll follow up in a different way."

The Governor's House will soon be making a big move. After their "decapitation operation" is successful and a joint press conference is held, we need to immediately and with the most detailed and authoritative reports to spread the Hong Kong government's determination to combat financial crime and the "revival plan" led by the Heng Sheng Group.

This is not just a news report, but also a declaration of stance and a rebuilding of confidence.

You need to prepare the most elite editorial team to obtain first-hand information and write the most substantial articles.

I want all of Hong Kong, all of Asia, and even the world to see, through the window of the Oriental Daily News, Hong Kong's determination and hope to "rise from the ashes."

Editor-in-Chief Li perked up and immediately understood his boss's meaning: "Yes! I'll go back and prepare right away, set up a special reporting team, and keep them on standby 24 hours a day to ensure everything goes smoothly!"

"Very good." Lin Haoran patted him on the shoulder. "Go ahead. This financial storm is also a time for us in the media to demonstrate our influence and sense of responsibility."

Editor-in-Chief Li left in a hurry.

After Editor-in-Chief Li left, Lin Haoran did not linger in the Hengsheng Group office. Instead, he took the elevator back to his own office.

I had just sat down when my cell phone rang.

"Hello?" This is an unfamiliar international phone call.

"Boss, this is Cui Zilong." Cui Zilong's voice came from the other end of the phone.

"President Cui, how are the preparations for the press conference going?" Lin Haoran asked.

"Boss, everything is ready. The announcement will be made promptly at 2 PM. Important Singaporean officials will be present, and security is also in place," Cui Zilong said.

"Well, if that's the case, then it seems this press conference should go very smoothly!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

"Not necessarily," Cui Zilong said.

"Oh? Why?" Lin Haoran asked, puzzled.

“I discovered that only a dozen or so European and American journalists were originally scheduled to attend, but for some reason, more than ten more suddenly applied, and they are all mainstream American media outlets. I suspect it’s related to Forbes,” Cui Zilong said directly.

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran said, "Indeed, this is just a rich list in Singapore and has nothing to do with the United States. The timing is too deliberate. I suspect that this is not for the press conference itself, but for someone to try to disrupt things!"

“Boss, that’s exactly what I think!” Cui Zilong nodded and said.

As the chairman of Oriental Media Group, he naturally knew how Forbes viewed them.

They practically consider it a major enemy of business!

"Then you'd better be prepared. Are you confident you can handle it?" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

"Don't worry, boss, I won't let you down!" Cui Zilong said solemnly.

"Okay, I believe you. Remember, we'll deal with whatever comes our way. If they try to cause trouble, we'll just make things bigger."

Didn't you say that important officials from Singapore would also be there? This is our 'stabilizing force'.

The press conference was set to highlight the close cooperation between Singapore and global Chinese business forces in promoting regional prosperity.

"Any question that tries to deviate from the topic or provoke trouble is a 'disrespect' for this cooperation, understand?" Lin Haoran said.

Cui Zilong suddenly understood: "I understand, boss! Raise the bar, use the big picture to intimidate people. Those who want to play dirty tricks will only appear petty in the face of official occasions and grand narratives, and may even arouse the resentment of Singapore."

I'll go adjust the opening remarks and guiding strategy right away.

“Well, you can decide on the specifics. Also,” Lin Haoran added, “since so many ‘distinguished guests’ have come, we might as well prepare our press releases and information packages to be even more ‘detailed’.”

Beyond the rich list itself, we could emphasize Media Group’s global vision, data strength, and future plans in financial information and business insights.

We could even 'accidentally' reveal a concept like the broader 'Asia New Economic Leaders Index' that we're currently developing.

Let them know that what we've captured isn't just a ranking list, but an entire track.

Cui Zilong couldn't help but laugh on the other end of the phone: "Boss, you're trying to turn the tables and use their attention to advertise our future business! Brilliant, absolutely brilliant!"

"That's how business competition is. We might as well take advantage of the attention they've offered us." Lin Haoran laughed. "Alright, go ahead and get busy. There will be some big moves coming up in Hong Kong soon, so let's keep in touch."

"Yes, boss! Wait for my good news!" Cui Zilong said and then hung up the phone.

After putting down his phone, Lin Haoran sat in his recliner and began to think.

Originally, he planned to have Oriental Media Group respond to Forbes' targeted article today, but because so many things happened today, he had to put the Forbes matter aside for the time being.

However, he did not expect that the other party would extend their reach to Singapore.

It seems that Forbes has indeed felt a substantial threat from Oriental Media Group.

The release of the "Singapore Rich List" in particular is seen as a direct challenge to the global financial media authority launched by MediaCorp.

They wanted to take advantage of the press conference to send someone to cause trouble, disrupt the situation, and damage the professional image and credibility that Oriental Media Group had just established.

The most likely scenario is that they will question Cui Zilong at the press conference, making things difficult for him in various ways, turning this high-profile rich list release into a laughing stock, or at least creating enough controversy and chaos to make outsiders question the data capabilities and professionalism of Oriental Media Group.

"Want to play? Then I'll play with you." A cold glint flashed in Lin Haoran's eyes.

Business warfare is like chess; it requires careful planning and strategic maneuvering, as well as adapting to changing circumstances.

Originally, he didn't think much of Forbes.

They didn't even consider the other party as an opponent.

Now that his opponent has placed a piece on the Singaporean chessboard, he naturally has to respond.

However, the most urgent task is to deal with the current financial crisis in Hong Kong.

With Choi Tze Lung in charge in Singapore, he believes this media heavyweight can handle the situation well.

Before long, Burton, Chen Shulin, Wei Li, He Shanheng and others arrived at the top floor one after another. With Ma Shimin, only Cui Zilong was absent from the entire Galaxy Strategic Development Committee.

However, Cui Zilong is currently in faraway Singapore and is naturally unable to participate.

Lin Haoran did not personally attend the meeting regarding how to divide up the valuable assets in Hong Kong that were in trouble due to the crisis.

This is an area where his knowledge is limited, and he doesn't need to get too involved.

With seasoned business veterans like Ma Shimin, He Shanheng, and Wei Li in command, the company is well-positioned to control the overall situation.

After all, this is not a predicament, but a feast, a feast in which his various companies divide up Hong Kong's core industries!

Before we knew it, it was noon.

Instead of going out for lunch, he asked Li Weidong to bring him more than a dozen fast food meals, one for himself and one for Ma Shimin and the others.

He had just finished his fast food when his phone rang again. This time, it was the governor himself calling.

"Mr. Lin, the decapitation operation was a great success. Director Han personally directed the operation, and the Flying Tigers acted swiftly. Chen Songqing and his core gang of twelve have all been captured. According to our separate interrogation of them, none of them escaped! All relevant evidence materials have also been seized on the spot!"
Mr. Lin, thank you so much. You are a great benefactor to Hong Kong today. Without the crucial information you provided, we wouldn't have been able to bring this group of bad apples to justice so quickly!

Governor Merrihau's voice was filled with gratitude and relief.

The other party paused for a moment, then continued, "This bought the most valuable time for stabilizing the market and restoring confidence!"

"Governor, you flatter me. Combating crime and maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability is the responsibility of every citizen. I was just doing what I was supposed to do," Lin Haoran said modestly, but he was also pleased with the success of the operation.

After all, Chen Songqing's actions were simply too reckless.

If it really succeeds, then Hong Kong's financial industry will really experience a major earthquake, and even he can hardly predict what the outcome will be.

Although his businesses have now expanded overseas, Hong Kong is still the base of his business empire, and he does not want his base to undergo any major upheavals.

With the biggest venomous snake, Chen Songqing, removed, the greatest uncertainty has been eliminated. From now on, both the "Revival Plan" and the "Predator Operation" will be carried out in a relatively controllable environment.

"Therefore, Mr. Lin, I hope you can attend the joint press conference at 2 p.m. this afternoon as the lead person of the 'Hong Kong Quality Asset Restructuring and Industrial Revitalization Fund' with me."

We need to demonstrate to the whole of Hong Kong, and even the world, the Hong Kong government's determination to stand shoulder to shoulder with responsible entrepreneurs and overcome difficulties together.

"Your attendance and speech are of paramount importance." Merrihout's tone was very serious.

Clearly, Lin Haoran's help had completely changed his attitude towards Lin Haoran.

Lin Haoran knew that by taking this step, he would become Hong Kong's "rescue leader," and both his fame and pressure would increase exponentially.

But this is also the best time to maximize influence and legitimately integrate resources.

This can be considered as a form of repayment from Merrihau.

He said almost without hesitation, “Governor, thank you for your trust. I will arrive at the Governor’s Palace at two o’clock this afternoon.”

"Great! Mr. Lin, see you this afternoon!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran couldn't help but marvel at how efficient the Governor's Office was.

He knew about the Hong Kong Flying Tigers; they were a unit of the Hong Kong police that carried out secret missions.

Its real name is Special Missions Company, which belongs to the special police force and is dedicated to handling high-risk operations such as counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and serious crimes.

The identities of its members and training details are kept strictly confidential, and they usually cover their faces during operations to prevent retaliation and ensure the secrecy of their missions.

This special mission company now possesses amphibious combat capabilities across land, sea, and air, and has specialized maritime units, such as the Maritime Assault Team, also known as the "Water Ghost Team," which focuses on covert operations such as counterterrorism in waterways, underwater search and rescue, and criminal investigation.

These units undergo rigorous selection and training to carry out high-risk missions while maintaining social security in Hong Kong.

Originally, Lin Haoran had never witnessed the capabilities of this Flying Tigers team, but now he has truly seen it for himself.

Combined with the Governor's Office's powerful intelligence network, it was truly impressive.

However, Lin Haoran also believed that the elite bodyguards of his own Huanyu Security Company could also do it!
In fact, Lin Haoran believed that his subordinates were even stronger in terms of individual combat capabilities.

Lin Haoran was very confident about this.

He left his office and went to the high-rise conference room not far away.

In the conference room, Ma Shimin and others had already stopped the meeting and were eating fast food.

At this moment, everyone is filled with a sense of drive.

After all, if the group performs well, the top executives of the group can also enjoy the benefits.

When Lin Haoran established the Bank Strategic Development Committee, he used a virtual equity incentive plan to deeply link their personal wealth with the long-term development and performance of the entire "Galaxy Strategic Development Committee" and its subsidiaries.

This transformed Ma Shimin, He Shanheng, Burton, and others from professional managers into business partners, sharing the fruits of development and bearing the risks.

In other words, his generals and subordinates share his glory and his loss!
It is precisely because of this that they have demonstrated unprecedented cohesion and action in the face of this crisis.

It wasn't just out of loyalty or respect for Lin Haoran, but also because their own interests were now closely tied to the fate of the entire alliance.

When Lin Haoran pushed the door open and came in, everyone who was eating with their heads down looked up.

"boss!"

"BOSS!"

"Haoran!"

The forms of address varied, but the tone of voice was always respectful and slightly excited.

Clearly, the discussions at this meeting gave them a glimpse of the enormous potential benefits, providing them with a clearer vision and higher expectations for the growth of their careers and wealth.

As seasoned business veterans, they know that crises often contain the greatest opportunities, and this time, they are at the pinnacle of opportunity.

Lin Haoran waved his hand, casually pulled out a chair and sat down, then repeated everything that Mai Lihao had just said on the phone.

"Good news!" Wei Li put down his chopsticks and smiled. "The biggest uncertainty has been eliminated, and market sentiment should stabilize soon."

At the afternoon press conference, our fund's announcement, combined with this positive news, can achieve twice the result with half the effort.

Ma Shimin nodded in agreement: "Indeed, the next window of opportunity is the best time for us to 'hunt' for prey. Moreover, our target is not the properties on the market."

Rather, it refers to the core assets of developers who have experienced a break in their capital chain, high-quality listed companies that have been severely undervalued due to the panic, and even some companies that are temporarily in trouble but own assets in prime locations.

Therefore, the 200 billion yuan in bailout funds you promised, boss, are destined not to flow into the market. Those hoping for a resurgence of activity in Hong Kong may be disappointed.

Lin Haoran nodded. The funds he invested were not intended to save the market.

Or rather, Hong Kong real estate is beyond his ability to save now.

Hong Kong's real estate bubble has long since ballooned to an unbearable level, making it difficult to reverse.

The Forbes article and Chen Songqing's scam were merely the last straw that broke the camel's back, not the root of the problem.

Forcibly propping up the market with funds is tantamount to adding fuel to the fire; it will only postpone the problem and may even cause the bubble to inflate further, making the eventual collapse even more devastating.

What he needs to do is not to "rescue the market," but to "govern the market," or even "replace the market."

Taking advantage of this unprecedented crisis, they transferred Hong Kong's most core and highest-quality assets from the hands of those old players who had been eliminated or were about to be eliminated to their own and their allies' control at fair or even low prices.

This process will inevitably be accompanied by the bankruptcy of a large number of small and medium-sized real estate developers, the abandonment of some projects, and the loss of all their capital.

But it's like performing surgery on a patient who has been suffering from depression for a long time; although painful, it's the only way to be reborn.

What he needs to do is ensure that he has control of the scalpel and that he leads the "recovery plan" after the surgery, which is the new economic order.

This may seem cruel and cold-blooded, but it is the most realistic and ruthless rule of the game in the capitalist world.

Lin Haoran knew very well that the course of history would not be changed because of personal pity.

Rather than letting those assets be completely devoured by foreign capital or even more greedy capital in a chaotic collapse, it would be better to let him, a "local doctor" with a deeper affection for Hong Kong and a longer-term plan, take the lead in the operation.

At least it can ensure that after the "operation," the lifeline of Hong Kong's economy will still be in the hands of "his own people," and that it can develop in a healthier direction that is more in line with his strategic blueprint.

Next, Ma Shimin reported to him on some plans that everyone had discussed that morning.

Lin Haoran nodded repeatedly as he listened, and had to admit that these seasoned business veterans had truly unique experience and insight.

They not only defined a clear "hunting" range, but also formulated a detailed action strategy and even anticipated the resistance they might encounter and how to deal with it.

“Very good, everyone’s planning is very thorough. Mr. Ma, please prepare a preliminary plan for the HK$200 billion for me later. The Governor needs me to discuss the investment ratios of the members of the major groups under the Galaxy Strategic Development Committee at the press conference.”

Remember to set aside a portion of the funds for other financial institutions or real estate companies with sufficient resources. British companies such as Swire and Standard Chartered will definitely participate, and Citibank will likely also participate. However, given the current market conditions and their own financial situation, they probably won't be able to contribute much money.

I need to report to the Governor first, and then briefly explain the fund's capital structure and cooperation model at the press conference to demonstrate transparency and sincerity.

“Understood, Mr. Lin.” Ma Shimin replied immediately. “The initial investment intentions and proportions have been roughly finalized. We can take HK$100 billion first, and then see how much they can contribute. We will cover the rest. I will put together a concise explanation and give it to you within half an hour.”

“Okay.” Lin Haoran then looked at He Shanheng. “Uncle He, the first formal meeting of the coordination group must be held immediately after the press conference.”

We need to secure the first batch of core properties as quickly as possible, especially in the Central area, and begin due diligence. Time is of the essence; I reckon the other sharks that have smelled blood will be reacting soon.

"Don't worry, Haoran, the meeting materials are almost ready. We'll meet up as soon as the press conference ends," He Shanheng said with a smile.

They had more time to prepare than other forces, and given that most of the market was already on edge, British and American companies would certainly not dare to invest too much.

These conglomerates are probably looking to shrink their operations now, so how could they dare to invest huge sums of money in such a volatile market as Hong Kong?

They participate symbolically at most, preserving their voice and face. They dare not take the real risks, nor do they necessarily have enough liquid funds to do so.

The remaining share will ultimately have to be filled by Lin Haoran's companies.

However, this suited him perfectly! (End of Chapter)