In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

In the following days, the Hong Kong property crisis intensified.

The collective pessimism of international media, coupled with the panic in Hong Kong and the desire of many middle- and high-income people to emigrate, has led to a wave of property sell-offs.

Those homeowners who were originally observing the situation couldn't sit still anymore when they saw their neighbors selling off their properties at low prices, and they all joined the sell-off army.

For a time, Hong Kong's property market seemed to have become a ghost market with no one interested. Thousands of houses were listed, but very few were actually sold.

Governor Edward Youde made several televised addresses in an attempt to appease the public, but his speeches not only failed to stabilize public sentiment, but also convinced more people that Hong Kong's future was truly in trouble.

Because every time Youde spoke, he emphasized that "the British government will do its best to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," rather than that "Hong Kong will definitely be prosperous and stable."

Intelligent people can hear the subtle differences.

The very word "try your best" implies uncertainty.

Those who already lacked confidence in Hong Kong's future need not just to try their best, but to be certain.

As a result, panic continued to spread.

In the blink of an eye, it's already October.

Hong Kong in October was still hot, but the hearts of its citizens were already cold.

The housing market is still falling, the stock market is still falling, and the street demonstrations are still ongoing.

Those once-glorious real estate developers are now in dire straits, some have already gone bankrupt, and others are on the verge of bankruptcy.

Lin Haoran has been keeping a very low profile lately, and he rarely goes to the Kang Le Building. Instead, he stays at home with his wife and children, or goes to Old Peak Road to visit Guan Jiahui and his daughter. He is living a leisurely and carefree life.

Because there are often many reporters gathered downstairs at the Connaught Building, trying to interview him and ask him for his views on the Hong Kong property market.

Lin Haoran was too lazy to deal with the reporters, so he simply stayed at home and enjoyed his peace and quiet.

Most importantly, his statement and even actual support need to be justified, and now is not the time!
Good news is also frequently coming from Latin America, according to Su Zhixue.

Throughout Latin America, numerous countries have been caught in a chain reaction. Even though many countries have not announced debt defaults, panic has spread to every corner of the world.

Capital fled in a frenzy, currency depreciated sharply, and the stock market plummeted.

Those countries once hailed by Wall Street as the "Latin American Miracle" are now collapsing one after another, like dominoes, unstoppable by anyone.

Huanyu Investment Company also took this opportunity to systematically liquidate the four billion US dollars it had previously invested in Brazil.

The pace is slow, so we haven't closed out half of our positions yet.

However, this was at Lin Haoran's instruction to slow them down.

That way it won't stand out so much.

After all, the Brazilian market is already chaotic enough. If Huanyu Investment Company were to liquidate its positions on a large scale at this time, it would easily attract attention.

Even his plans in Mexico might be exposed, which would be troublesome.

Lin Haoran wanted to make a fortune quietly, not become a target of public criticism.

Moreover, he knew that this debt crisis would last a long time, so he wasn't in a hurry at all.

The money from Latin America will be his sooner or later; it doesn't matter whether it's sooner or later.

On the morning of October 3, Lin Haoran received another call from Governor Youde.

When Lin Haoran received You De's call, he was holding his son and sunbathing in the garden.

The little one was only a month old and was at his most well-behaved. He didn't cry or fuss, but stared curiously at the leaves above his head with his big eyes, waving his little hands in the air as if trying to grab something he couldn't see.

“Mr. Lin, I know you’ve been very busy lately, but you’ve seen the situation in Hong Kong. If this continues, I’m afraid there will be riots in Hong Kong.”

Yud's voice carried an unusual weariness; the governor, who had only been in office for a few months, was clearly overwhelmed by this sudden crisis.

A turbulent Hong Kong is indeed a major challenge for Edward Youde, the city's administrator.

Lin Haoran hugged his son closer and smiled, "Sir Youde, I understand what you mean. However, as you also know, at this time, whoever stands up to speak will have to take responsibility."

Youde was silent for a moment, then said, “Mr. Lin, I don’t want you to take responsibility. I hope you can give the citizens some confidence. You know, the most terrible thing right now is not the drop in housing prices, but the loss of public confidence. As long as people’s hearts are still there, Hong Kong has a future.”

Lin Haoran nodded.

What Youde said is quite right.

His influence in Hong Kong is indeed far greater than that of Youde.

After all, he was Hong Kong's richest man and a role model of success in the hearts of countless citizens.

His every move will be magnified and analyzed.

However, Youde was ultimately just a newly appointed governor, and his influence had not yet been fully established.

“Well then, Sir Edward Youde, I will be doing a live broadcast on TVB tomorrow to share my thoughts with everyone. We can also invite some mainstream media to participate in a Q&A session,” Lin Haoran said.

In fact, Lin Haoran knew that even if he stepped in, he still couldn't change anything. This was an inevitable trend, and the root of the panic lay in the future ownership of Hong Kong.

This is not something that Hong Kong's richest man can decide.

However, this was precisely the perfect opportunity for him to have his Renaissance Fund and even his subsidiaries, such as Hongkong Land Group, step in to buy at the bottom of the market.

The expedition was well-founded and justified.

Yu De was overjoyed: "That's wonderful! Mr. Lin, on behalf of the people of Hong Kong, thank you!"

The two discussed some key points for their televised speeches before ending their call.

After hanging up the phone, Guo Xiaohan came out of the house with a cup of hot tea in her hand.

During her breastfeeding period, Guo Xiaohan's figure became even more stunning, her face glowed with the radiance of new motherhood, and she exuded a gentle beauty.

"Brother Haoran, are you going to be on TV?"

Lin Haoran took the teacup, took a sip, and said, "Well, I still have to say it. The Governor has contacted me for the second time."

Guo Xiaohan sat down beside him and asked softly, "What are you planning to say?"

Lin Haoran smiled and said, "To be honest, I am optimistic about the future of Hong Kong, but I don't talk about politics. I am an entrepreneur, and entrepreneurs only do what entrepreneurs should do."

Guo Xiaohan nodded thoughtfully.

She knew that Lin Haoran's suggestion was the wisest choice.

It would neither offend the British nor the mainland, and it would also give the citizens some confidence.

As for those political matters, let the politicians worry about them.

Guo Xiaohan was taken aback: "Me too?"

Lin Haoran laughed and said, "Yes, you sit in the audience and let them see that Mrs. Lin is very confident in the future of Hong Kong. This way, you'll be giving the new governor enough face."

Guo Xiaohan smiled and rested her head on his shoulder: "Okay, I'll go with you."

Lin Haoran then made a phone call to his sixth uncle, Shao Yifu.

When Shao Yifu learned of this, he was overjoyed.

Last week, the same day Margaret Thatcher fell, RTV officially changed its name to Asia Television.

After Chiu Te-ken took over, Asia Television began to change its business strategy and significantly increased its investment, even poaching many talents from TVB with high salaries.

Although its viewership ratings still cannot compare with TVB's, it has already posed a considerable threat to TVB.

At this critical juncture, Lam Ho-yin's decision to hold a live broadcast on TVB is undoubtedly a huge support for TVB, enough to give TVB an advantage in its competition with Asia Television.

Shao Yifu immediately stated that he would arrange the best team, the best equipment, and the best time slot to ensure the live broadcast would be flawless.

Meanwhile, TVB Jade Channel also began promoting the live broadcast.

Within just one hour, the news that Lin Haoran would be giving a live Q&A on TVB Jade about the Hong Kong real estate crisis spread throughout Hong Kong.

At 10 p.m. on October 4, the TVB studio was brightly lit.

This was the highest-profile live broadcast in TVB's history. The entire studio was filled with reporters from well-known media outlets in Hong Kong and even internationally. Cameras were densely packed around the studio, and the lights were dazzling.

Lin Haoran appeared in the studio on time, wearing a well-tailored dark blue suit, with a smile on his face, looking calm and composed.

Guo Xiaohan sat in the first row of the audience, wearing an elegant cheongsam. She was dignified and graceful. The live broadcast repeatedly cut to her, each time leaving the viewers in front of the TV in awe.

After a brief opening speech by the host, Lin Haoran slowly said to the camera, "Good evening, fellow citizens of Hong Kong. I am Lin Haoran."

"I'm sorry, I've been very busy lately because of the birth of my son and haven't had time to give media interviews. Today, I'd like to take this opportunity, TVB, to share some of my thoughts with you."

I know that many people are worried about the future of Hong Kong during this period. Property prices are falling, the stock market is falling, there are demonstrations in the streets, and some people are emigrating.

Many people are asking the same question: Does Hong Kong have a future?

My answer is: Yes.

His voice wasn't loud, but every word he spoke was firm and resounding.

"The reason why Hong Kong has become what it is today is not due to any one person, but to the efforts of all the people of Hong Kong. The rule of law, free market, openness and inclusiveness here cannot be changed by any force. As long as these remain, Hong Kong will always have hope."

The drop in housing prices does not mean the end of Hong Kong. The property market has its ups and downs, which is the law of the market. The prices rose too sharply in the past few years, so it is normal for them to correct now.

I have many businesses in Hong Kong, including Hongkong Land Group, HK Electric Group, and Hang Seng Group, among others. As you can see, I have no intention of relocating any of these businesses to Hong Kong. On the contrary, I continue to increase my investment in Hong Kong. If I didn't have a positive outlook on Hong Kong's future, why would I do this? Do you think my money grows on trees?

The studio was quiet except for the buzzing of the cameras.

Lin Haoran's words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in everyone's hearts.

At this moment, millions of people across Hong Kong are watching this live broadcast.

If viewership ratings were readily available, they would undoubtedly be an astonishing number.

As for the neighboring Asia Television, its viewership was naturally almost zero at that moment.

After all, at this time, people are more concerned about the future of Hong Kong and what Lin Haoran, a super-rich Hong Kong businessman, thinks about it.

Almost everyone in Hong Kong, including Chinese, foreigners, and many Southeast Asian laborers, watched in front of their television sets as the young tycoon calmly and confidently told them: Hong Kong has a future.

After Lin Haoran finished speaking, the host asked, "Mr. Lin, besides these, what other practical actions will you take to support and believe in Hong Kong?"

Lin Haoran smiled slightly upon hearing this.

The host was obviously not trying to make things difficult for him, after all, he is one of the bosses of TVB. The questions asked by the host had already been discussed with him in advance by Shao Yifu.

He confidently stated, "I have always been very confident about the future of Hong Kong. I value long-term development over short-term gains."

Therefore, I have decided that over the next three years, all my companies will invest no less than HK$20 billion in Hong Kong.

These words caused an uproar in the audience.

Two hundred billion Hong Kong dollars!
What is this concept?
It's important to understand that the entire Hong Kong property market is currently on the verge of collapse. Forget about making additional investments; many conglomerates are already grateful if they don't reduce their Hong Kong assets and move them overseas.

Lin Haoran's opening statement of 20 billion was enough to shock everyone.

The host was also stunned. Although he was the one who asked the question, Lin Haoran's previous prepared answer did not mention such a specific figure as an additional 20 billion yuan investment.

"Mr. Lin, are you telling the truth?" the host couldn't help but ask to confirm.

Lin Haoran laughed and said, "Of course it's true. I always keep my word. And this 20 billion is not an empty promise, but a real investment."

I have already confirmed this with Governor Youde. Next, the Recovery Fund will allocate nine billion to continue acquiring high-quality properties.

Hongkong Land will allocate HK$5 billion to develop new commercial projects; HK Electric Holdings will allocate HK$2 billion to invest in new projects; and Wan Tsing Group and Wong Group will each allocate HK$2 billion to expand their business footprint.

These investments will be in place gradually over the next three years.

The reporters all lowered their heads to take notes, their camera lenses fixed on Lin Haoran, afraid of missing any detail.

Viewers watching on television were also shocked by this number.

Two hundred billion Hong Kong dollars!
In 1982, this was an astronomical figure.

Those homeowners who were originally hesitant about selling their properties felt their resolve shifted slightly towards not selling after hearing this news.

Even those who had already immigrated began to waver.

Meanwhile, investors who were still observing the market began to reassess the value of Hong Kong.

Lin Haoran continued, "I know some people will say that the economy is not good now and the investment risk is too high, but I want to say that the greater the risk, the greater the opportunity."

"By the time the economy improves and you want to get in, all the good opportunities will have been snatched up by others. That's the principle I've learned in my many years of business."

A reporter then asked loudly, "Mr. Lin, do you think Hong Kong's future will be affected by the Sino-British negotiations?"

The scene immediately fell silent.

Everyone wanted to know how Lin Haoran would answer this tricky question.

Lin Haoran glanced at the other person, and the smile on his face faded slightly.

The ABC reporter was clearly deliberately trying to cause trouble.

"My friend, I must first correct one of your statements. The future of Hong Kong is not determined by the Sino-British negotiations, but by the people of Hong Kong themselves."

The Sino-British negotiations concerned the sovereignty of Hong Kong, not its future.

The reporter pressed on, "So what's your view on the handover?"

Lin Haoran shook his head and said calmly, "I am an entrepreneur, not a politician. Entrepreneurs cannot interfere with any political factors. What we can do is to do our own business well and contribute to Hong Kong's economy."

As for political issues, that's the government's business, not mine.

Another reporter asked, "Mr. Lin, what advice do you have for the ordinary citizens of Hong Kong?"

Lin Haoran thought for a moment and said, "My advice is simple: don't panic. Houses are for living in, not for speculation. If you're buying a house to live in yourself, what does the rise or fall of house prices have to do with you?"
As long as you don't sell, it's just a number. If you're buying a house for investment, then you need to be prepared to bear the risks. There's no market in this world where prices only go up and never down.

The live stream lasted for more than an hour, during which Lin Haoran answered more than a dozen questions, and every answer was watertight.

The live broadcast that day achieved record-breaking viewership for TVB.

Almost every Hong Kong family watched the live broadcast on television.

At this moment, Lin Haoran's influence in Hong Kong is evident!
The front-page headline of Ming Pao on the second day was: "Lam Ho-yin: I am optimistic about the future of Hong Kong".

Oriental Daily News went even further, stating: "Hong Kong's richest man strongly supports Hong Kong, and the dawn of a new real estate market is breaking."

Sing Tao Daily quoted Lam Ho-yin as saying, "Entrepreneurs cannot interfere in politics, but they can contribute to Hong Kong's economy."

These reports, once they reached the public, did indeed have some effect in calming people's minds.

Those homeowners who were originally hesitant about whether to sell their houses hesitated again after seeing what Lin Haoran said.

Those who had already immigrated felt some regret after seeing the report.

That afternoon, the Hang Seng Index halted its sharp decline that had lasted for several days and rebounded slightly by two percent.

Although this rebound is a drop in the ocean compared to a stock market that has fallen by 50%, it at least shows that market panic is beginning to ease.

When Yude saw these reports at the Governor's Palace, he breathed a long sigh of relief.

"This Lin Haoran is really something."

He picked up the phone and dialed Lin Haoran's number.

"Mr. Lin, thank you."

Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Sir Youde, you're too kind. It's what I should do."

Youde remarked with emotion, "If all Hong Kong entrepreneurs were like you, how could Hong Kong not prosper?"

Lin Haoran smiled but didn't say anything.

He knew that Yud's words were just polite formalities.

Entrepreneurs are not philanthropists; everyone has their own interests to consider.

He was able to speak out because he had the confidence and the ability to do so.

If it were someone else, they might not even be able to protect themselves, let alone stabilize the market.

However, Yud was too happy too soon.

Just two days later, the real estate market experienced another sharp fluctuation.

Although Lin Haoran's speech and the promise of a 20 billion investment temporarily calmed people's hearts, the root of the panic, namely the uncertainty about Hong Kong's future, has not been eliminated.

Those large families and conglomerates that truly control substantial assets are still quietly transferring them overseas.

Furthermore, the instigation by many international media outlets, which continuously exaggerated the "doomsday scenario" of Hong Kong, caused the market sentiment, which had just begun to ease, to deteriorate again.

On October 7, the Hang Seng Index plummeted again by 10%, with the real estate sector bearing the brunt.

Those homeowners who had previously removed their properties from the market relisted them after seeing the stock market crash.

For a time, the real estate market returned to a "ghost market" state.

At Shi Xundao's villa, sitting on the sofa watching the news on TV, Guo Xiaohan couldn't help but look at Lin Haoran and ask, "Brother Haoran, didn't you waste your time with what you said before?"

Lin Haoran smiled and shook his head: "I never thought that I could restore Hong Kong's real estate industry to its former state with just one public speech. I don't have that much influence!"

All of this was actually within his expectations.

After all, the collapse of Hong Kong's real estate market was an inevitable trend. The Hong Kong property market, which had been rising for several years, was already full of bubbles.

Add to that the uncertainty brought about by the Sino-British negotiations, and the collapse of confidence caused by Margaret Thatcher's fall. With these three factors combined, even if the British Prime Minister himself intervened, let alone Hong Kong's richest man, he could not stop this torrent.

Therefore, his speech and the promise of 20 billion yuan in investment were never for the purpose of saving the market, but rather to justify his actions.

He wanted everyone to know that when Hong Kong was facing its most difficult time, Lin Haoran did not choose to run away, but instead chose to stay and continue investing.

He wanted everyone to see that he had confidence in the future of Hong Kong.

He wanted everyone to understand that following him was the right thing to do.

Meanwhile, companies under the Revival Fund, Hongkong Land Group, and Hong Kong Electric Group can take this opportunity, with the support of the Governor's House, to openly and legitimately purchase quality real estate projects at low prices.

This was Lin Haoran's true purpose.

What he wanted wasn't a market bailout, but to buy at the bottom. (End of Chapter)