In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

"Boss?" Su Zhixue's voice came from the other end of the phone, "Are you still there?"

Lin Haoran snapped out of his daze and smiled, "Yes, Zhixue, you did a great job this time. Once things are settled in Latin America, you'll take the whole team on a paid vacation to Hawaii for a month, plus a bonus."

Su Zhixue exclaimed with delight, "Thank you so much, boss! I thank you on behalf of my brothers!"

Lin Haoran smiled and then instructed, "During this period, continue to keep a low profile. The time is ripe in Latin America. Starting tomorrow, according to my previous plan, begin to secretly lay out plans for Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela as a third country."

Upon hearing this, Su Zhixue perked up: "Understood! Boss, the funds have been prepared long ago, just waiting for you to say that."

Lin Haoran nodded and continued, "Remember, this operation needs to be even more covert than the one in Mexico. Soros's experience is a lesson we must learn; we cannot repeat his mistakes."

Su Zhixue solemnly replied, "Don't worry, boss. This time we'll adopt a more decentralized strategy. The operations in each country will be conducted through hundreds of different accounts, which will absolutely not attract the attention of the local governments."

Moreover, the situations in these countries are basically similar to those in Mexico before the debt crisis. Having experience in Mexico, we will be much more adept this time.

Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction.

He always trusted Su Zhixue to get things done.

Su Zhixue then said, "Boss, besides this 60 billion investment in three countries, should we also consider those stocks, bonds, land, resource-based companies, etc., whose prices have plummeted to rock bottom?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "No need. This time, you just need to follow the original plan and short the currencies and stock markets of these three countries. As for those physical assets, I have other arrangements."

Buying at the bottom after the crisis?

Lin Haoran has no interest at the moment.

It's important to understand that when Latin America fell into a debt crisis, it was followed by a decade-long economic recession.

This decade has been called the "lost decade" for Latin America.

Stagnant GDP growth, runaway inflation, soaring unemployment, and social unrest.

Those stocks, bonds, land, and resource-based companies that currently appear to have hit rock bottom will not only fail to appreciate in value over the next decade, but may even continue to depreciate.

Buying at the bottom now isn't buying at the bottom, it's buying halfway up the mountain.

The real bottom is still far from being reached.

Lin Haoran clearly remembers that throughout the 80s, the average annual GDP growth rate in Latin America was only 1.2%, and per capita income declined instead of rising.

1986 was the year with the most severe economic recession.

It wasn't until the 90s that these countries slowly emerged from their predicament and began to recover.

Therefore, what he needs to do now is not to buy at the bottom, but to short sell.

As for the investments that Lin Haoran had promised to Mexico, they were, after all, a three- to ten-year investment plan. In the early stages, the investments would naturally be in industries closely related to his business and industries that could make him money.

For example, 711-Eleven and Lawson convenience stores will continue to expand.

Although Mexico's economy may appear sluggish and consumer spending may decline due to the debt crisis, it is precisely because of this economic downturn that people are more inclined to choose convenience stores that offer low prices and quick service.

Convenience stores and other retail channels can increase sales of products under his Langwei Group.

Moreover, even in a bad economy, basic consumer goods such as daily necessities remain necessities.

This is an opportunity.

Lin Haoran, through his understanding of the internet in his previous life, knew a principle well: economic downturns are often the best time for certain industries to expand against the trend.

Because rent is cheap, labor is cheap, and there is little competition.

When the economy recovers, those companies that expanded against the trend will be the biggest winners.

Therefore, his promise to the Mexican government was not an empty promise.

711-Eleven and Lawson will indeed continue to expand in Mexico.

His Langvi Group's food, beverage, and daily necessities products will also be distributed to the Mexican market in large quantities through these two channels.

During economic downturns, people tend to buy inexpensive necessities.

And Langwei Group's products just happen to fit this positioning.

This is also a considerable business.

In addition, in the event of an economic downturn, in order to cope with the recession, the government may create jobs and stimulate demand in related industries through public investment, such as the construction of highways, bridges, and schools.

The Mexican government now hopes he will visit Mexico and invest there.

A slight smile appeared on Lin Haoran's lips.

This is indeed a good opportunity.

By using the guise of "aiding Mexico," they can secure some infrastructure projects, gain not only fame and money, but also lay the foundation for future development.

Three birds with one stone.

However, now is not the time.

His daughter and son were just born recently, and he has no plans to travel that far anytime soon.

Mexico is the one in a hurry, not him!
In the future, he will venture into Mexico's finance and real estate sectors, making Mexico his bridgehead between Latin American countries and the United States.

However, that's for the future; it's not the right time yet.

Lin Haoran snapped out of his thoughts and said to Su Zhixue on the other end of the phone, "That's it, go do it. Remember, be steady and don't be greedy."

Su Zhixue solemnly replied, "Understood, boss!"

After hanging up the phone, Lin Haoran stood by the window, looking at Victoria Harbour in the distance.

The setting sun was turning the entire sea a golden hue.

That golden hue was just like the sunset before the Mexican peso plummeted, just like the calm before the outbreak of the Latin American crisis.

Lin Haoran looked at the golden expanse, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

$158 billion! Before making this move in Mexico, he never imagined that he would profit so much from the Mexican debt crisis.

A principal of $1.5 billion yielded a profit of $15.8 billion.

More than ten times the return.

Such a record is enough to be recorded in financial history.

But Lin Haoran knew that this was just the beginning.

The same opportunities await him in the three Latin American countries.

A massive $6 billion is about to enter the market, quietly shorting the currencies and stock markets of Brazil, Argentina, and Venezuela.

Once these three countries completely collapse, once their currencies become worthless, and once their stock markets hit rock bottom, he can use the money he makes from short selling to acquire their high-quality assets on a large scale.

That was another bountiful harvest.

A slight smile appeared on Lin Haoran's lips.

Such opportunities are rare.

He needs to make the most of this opportunity.

After all, who would complain about having too much money?

At noon, Lin Haoran took Liu Xiaoli to a private room at the nearby Xiyuelai Restaurant for a sumptuous lunch.

Afterwards, we went back to our villa in the Mid-Levels of Wan Chai for a midday rest.

The two of them made love in the bedroom for more than an hour. Liu Xiaoli fell into a deep sleep from exhaustion, but Lin Haoran was still full of energy.

For more than a week, he hasn't contacted Liu Xiaoli.

Both Guo Xiaohan and Guan Jiahui were unable to accompany him because they were in postpartum confinement.

Therefore, he had been holding back for a while.

Now that my pent-up energy has been released, I feel refreshed and invigorated.

At 3 p.m., he left the Mid-Levels villa in Wan Chai alone with his bodyguards, having already told Liu Xiaoli that she didn't need to go to the company today.

Half an hour later, the convoy arrived at the Sheung Kong Industrial Park in Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, the location of Oracle Semiconductor.

It is worth mentioning that the entire Kwun Tong Sheung Kong Ling Industrial Park has now been handed over to Oracle Semiconductor for use, and all the other companies and factories that were originally in the industrial park have been completely relocated.

The entire park has hundreds of security personnel alone.

Security checks are extremely strict at every factory area and every building.

Even the main gate of the entire park is very strictly controlled.

All of this, of course, is for safety.

After all, the semiconductor industry has extremely high technological barriers, and confidentiality is of paramount importance.

Lin Haoran's convoy passed through three security checkpoints before being allowed to enter the core area of ​​the park. The car stopped in front of the Oracle Building, and Lin Haoran got out, looking up at the not-so-tall building, a surge of pride welling up in his heart.

This is where his semiconductor empire began.

Although it is still very weak now, he believes that in the near future, it will become an important pole of the global semiconductor industry.

"Haoran, you're here!" a familiar voice called out.

Lin Haoran turned his head and saw Zhang Zhongmou leading several senior executives to quickly come to greet him.

This future "godfather of semiconductors" has only been with Oracle Semiconductor for five months, but he has already devoted himself to his work and looks energetic and full of enthusiasm.

"Chairman Zhang, what a coincidence! I haven't been here for a while, so I took some time to come and visit today!" Lin Haoran greeted him with a smile.

"I came down here specifically because I heard the news from the security department. It's no coincidence. By the way, Haoran, congratulations on the birth of your son!" Zhang Zhongmou said with a smile, his tone sincere.

Lin Haoran smiled and waved his hand: "Thank you very much. Chairman Zhang must come on the day of the full moon celebration."

Zhang Zhongmou nodded: "Definitely, definitely. Haoran, come on, let's go upstairs and talk. I have a lot to report to you."

The two walked into the building side by side, followed by several executives.

As the elevator ascended, Zhang Zhongmou introduced, "Haoran, we have made rapid progress in the past five months. Our R&D team has expanded to more than 300 people, many of whom are top talents poached from the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan."

In addition, 7 of the 12 semiconductor giants have reached agreements for further foundry cooperation. They were extremely satisfied with the trial orders we previously placed with them.

The remaining five companies haven't reached any concrete cooperation agreements with us yet, but I believe they won't last much longer. After all, upgrading semiconductor equipment is a bottomless pit, and everyone will choose to save that money when they can!

In addition, many semiconductor companies, smaller than the 12 semiconductor giants, have also approached us hoping to establish foundry partnerships.

Lin Haoran listened, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

In five months, a research and development team of more than 300 people was formed, OEM agreements were signed with seven giants, and many more small and medium-sized companies took the initiative to come to them.

Such progress is indeed very rapid.

"Chairman Zhang, you've worked hard," Lin Haoran said sincerely.

Zhang Zhongmou shook his head: "It's not hard work, Haoran. To be honest, after working in the semiconductor industry for so many years, this is the first time I've met an investor with such courage as you."

A boss who's willing to invest heavily, delegate authority, and not interfere in day-to-day operations is incredibly rare.

Lin Haoran laughed: "Everyone has their own expertise. In the semiconductor industry, you are the expert. I am only responsible for providing funding and guiding the general direction. How to do it specifically is up to you."

A hint of emotion flashed in Zhang Zhongmou's eyes.

He has seen too many investors who offer verbal support but then make excuses and interfere when it comes to asking for money, and they also like to boss people around.

People as decisive and trusting as Lin Haoran are truly rare.

“However, Haoran, there’s something I need to tell you later. Since you’re here today, I’ll tell you!” Zhang Zhongmou continued.

"Oh? Just say what you want to say. You know what kind of person I am," Lin Haoran said with a smile.

"Our rapid development has come at a price. Because we have partnered with many companies from the beginning, we have been continuously purchasing equipment over the past few months."

The most advanced lithography machines, etching machines, optical inspection equipment, and so on, especially for wafer fabrication and subsequent mass production, all require a large amount of equipment.

Although we have reached preliminary cooperation agreements with those semiconductor giants, the revenue is not much, since we have not yet reached the stage of large-scale contract manufacturing.

In addition, we recruited many top international semiconductor experts, mathematicians, physics and materials science talents, and electronic and microelectronics engineering talents, etc. We also spent a lot of money to recruit them.

Therefore, Haoran, your initial investment of $1 billion is almost gone. I estimate that the funds in the account will only last until the end of September.

Lin Haoran listened without showing the slightest surprise.

He had known all along that the semiconductor industry was a money-burning industry.

Especially now that Oracle Semiconductor is a startup, the investment in equipment and talent is extremely high.

$10 billion sounds like a lot, but it's really nothing for a semiconductor company that's building from scratch while also developing core technologies.

Especially their approach of building factories, buying equipment, and poaching talent means they spend money at an astonishing rate.

This was because he invited an industry giant like Zhang Zhongmou, which greatly facilitated Oracle Semiconductor in terms of purchasing equipment and recruiting talent, saving a lot of money and time.

Otherwise, the $10 billion will only burn even more quickly.

Seeing that Lin Haoran had not answered for a long time, Zhang Zhongmou was afraid that Lin Haoran would think he spent money too quickly, after all, 10 billion US dollars was not a small amount.

He continued, "Of course, Haoran, if you feel that funds are tight, we can slow down a bit, for example, temporarily stop purchasing some production equipment, or slow down the pace of poaching talent..."

Lin Haoran came to his senses and smiled.

To others, $10 billion is a huge sum of money.

Even for Zhang Zhongmou's former company, Texas Instruments, this amount of money would be enough for Texas Instruments' annual R&D investment.

But in Lin Haoran's eyes, 10 billion US dollars is nothing.

After all, he had just earned $158 billion from Mexico.

In comparison, $10 billion is just a drop in the ocean.

Moreover, he was prepared to burn money when he entered this industry.

The fact that the initial $10 billion investment has brought Oracle Semiconductor so many advanced instruments and so many industry talents, and has been able to sustain the company for another six months, has already exceeded his expectations.

Lin Haoran waved his hand, interrupting Zhang Zhongmou: "Chairman Zhang, no need. Just go ahead and do it. I'll take care of the money. I'll inject another $20 billion into Oracle Semiconductor."

Zhang Zhongmou paused for a moment, then looked surprised.

$20 billion?
Zhang Zhongmou thought he had misheard.

He originally only wanted another $5 million to $10 billion to keep the company running and speed things up.

Unexpectedly, Lin Haoran asked for 20 billion US dollars right off the bat.

That's incredibly arrogant!
This is an incredibly extravagant gesture!
Keep in mind that if converted to Hong Kong dollars, 20 billion US dollars is more than 100 billion Hong Kong dollars!

"Haoran, are you sure?" Zhang Zhongmou couldn't help but ask for confirmation. "20 billion US dollars is no small amount."

Lin Haoran smiled: "Chairman Zhang, I know, but I also know that in the semiconductor industry, you either don't do it at all, or you do it to the best of your ability. Is $20 billion enough?"

Zhang Zhongmou took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "That's enough. With this $20 billion, plus the subsequent increase in revenue, I guarantee that Oracle Semiconductor will not let you down."

Give me five years—no, just three—and I will make Oracle Semiconductor an indispensable part of the global semiconductor industry, one that every semiconductor company will want to court!

Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction: "Okay, I trust you. The funds will arrive in the next couple of days, so just go ahead and get to work."

A hint of emotion flashed in Zhang Zhongmou's eyes.

He has seen too many investors offer verbal support, but when it comes to asking for money, they make excuses and delay.

People as decisive and generous as Lin Haoran are truly rare.

At this moment, he was very grateful that he had been persuaded by Lin Haoran when he was in the United States to travel all the way from the United States to Hong Kong to join a newly established semiconductor startup.

As it turned out, his choice was correct.

Lin Haoran not only gave him enough funds, but also enough trust and a platform.

A boss like this deserves his full effort.

"Haoran, don't worry," Zhang Zhongmou said solemnly, "I will make sure that you get your $20 billion well spent."

Lin Haoran smiled and patted him on the shoulder: "Chairman Zhang, I trust you. You're the expert in the semiconductor industry. I'm just responsible for providing the funding. You decide how things are done."

He genuinely believed it and wasn't afraid that Oracle Semiconductor's $10 billion investment might be involved in something shady.

After all, the current CFO of Oracle Semiconductor was sent by him from Wanqing Group, and his loyalty rate is as high as 96, making him completely trustworthy.

In addition, he also had great faith in Zhang Zhongmou's loyalty.

Zhang Zhongmou may not be loyal to Lin Haoran, but he is extremely loyal to Oracle Semiconductor. It can be said that Zhang Zhongmou has staked his entire future on Oracle Semiconductor.

Therefore, Lin Haoran saw that Zhang Zhongmou's loyalty had just risen to 100!

That's right, it's 100!

Lin Haoran was very clear that Zhang Zhongmou's loyalty was not to him personally, but to Oracle Semiconductor and the semiconductor industry.

Therefore, a loyalty score of 100 is not surprising at all.

When a person devotes all their energy to one thing, their loyalty will naturally reach its peak.

Lin Haoran looked at Zhang Zhongmou, feeling even more satisfied.

What does it mean for a leader to have 100% loyalty to the company?
This means he will treat the company like his own child, and will do everything in his power to nurture it, protect it, and help it grow and thrive.

Such a person doesn't need supervision or prompting; they will give their all on their own. (End of Chapter)