In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 685 A Major Life Event: Engagement Preparations

Li Jiacheng and Lin Haoran's relationship turned against each other due to their support for Huifeng Bank.

Li Jiacheng believed that he had offended Lin Haoran, and therefore the vicious competition between Wellcome Supermarket and ParknShop Supermarket was instigated by Lin Haoran behind the scenes.

But in reality, he had wronged Lin Haoran.

Lin Haoran rarely interfered in matters related to business operations; he preferred to be a hands-off manager because he trusted the methods of his key executives.

To become a renowned professional manager, one's business acumen must be exceptional; as an outsider, he has no need to interfere too much in corporate management.

Although he came from the future, it doesn't mean he had the talent to run a business. The money he made was not from businesses, but more from the stock market, the oil crisis, futures, and other means.

As for running a business? Come on, in his previous life he was just an ordinary person. Letting him personally take charge of the management of a company would only cause trouble. Why bother?
It's much more comfortable to be a hands-off manager.

He usually only offers advice when something major happens; otherwise, he doesn't want to get involved at all.

Relying on his ability to see the "loyalty" of his subordinates, he can confidently entrust management to capable subordinates.

Therefore, the current competitive situation between Wellcome Supermarket and ParknShop Supermarket is actually more a result of Ma Shimin's instructions.

As for Lin Haoran, in such minor matters of business competition, Ma Shiming would at most give him a brief report afterward, and he would rarely offer any opinions or even directly interfere.

His achievements in the business world inevitably lead others to mistakenly believe that he is a true business genius, which is why Li Jiacheng suspects that Wellcome Supermarket's actions were instructed by Lin Haoran.

As for Hongkong Land Group, since its important subsidiary Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited launched a large-scale acquisition campaign in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, it has now established a special company called Longway Group to take full responsibility for reorganizing all the acquired FMCG brands.

In recent years, the supermarket landscape in Hong Kong has shown a distinct trend, with Wellcome and ParknShop leading the way and leaving other brands far behind.

This situation inevitably makes Wellcome and ParknShop the biggest rivals in the industry.

In order to give its supermarket brands a competitive edge, it's perfectly normal to use any means necessary.

As Hong Kong's largest supermarket brand, Wellcome Supermarket naturally does not want its position to be surpassed by ParknShop.

Therefore, when developing the fast-moving consumer goods sector, Ma Shimin also specifically accelerated the development of sales channels.

For example, 711-Eleven Xiangjiang chain stores and Wellcome supermarkets, especially Wellcome supermarkets, have seen their development accelerate.

Looking at the supplier segment alone, Wellcome supermarkets are able to obtain products from suppliers at extremely low prices because Dairy Farm International has acquired many fast-moving consumer goods brands.

These goods are of excellent quality and come in a wide variety of types, comprehensively covering various fields such as food, daily necessities, and cosmetics.

With its low-priced and high-quality goods, Wellcome supermarkets would likely find it difficult to compete with ParknShop if it wanted to start another price war.

Therefore, Wellcome Supermarket's development has accelerated in the past few months, with new stores springing up all over downtown Hong Kong and even new towns, which has put great pressure on another competitor, ParknShop, a subsidiary of Hutchison Whampoa.

……

Central, at a traffic light intersection.

"Hao'er, shouldn't you and Xiaohan finalize your engagement? Xiaohan keeps calling me lately, and she always brings it up. It's obvious she's eager to be my daughter-in-law." Lin Haoran had just left Hengsheng Building and was sitting in his car, preparing to go home, when he received a call from his mother.

"Engaged?" Lin Haoran was taken aback when his mother mentioned it.

“Yes, didn’t you tell me and your dad before that you would get engaged to Xiaohan after you sorted out the bank business? I saw on the news that you’ve resolved everything on your end, defeated Huifeng Bank, and even acquired Hengsheng Bank. This matter should be over, right? So, both families should sit down and discuss the engagement properly,” Lin’s mother said.

Lin's mother was extremely shocked that her son had actually defeated Huifeng Bank and even acquired Hengsheng Bank.

But in the past three years, the acquisitions of Ying Ni in Qingzhou, Hong Kong Electric Group, Hongkong Land Group, and Hong Kong and China Gas, etc., which one of them did not shock her and her father?

Therefore, although she was shocked, Lin's mother was able to accept it, and in her heart, she felt more pride.

How could I not be proud of my son's abilities!

Despite his success in his career, Lin Haoran is still unmarried and childless.

Therefore, Lin's mother had long been hoping that her son could get married soon so that she could hold her grandson as soon as possible.

Therefore, she was even more anxious than Lin Haoran about this matter.

"Mommy, you can make the decision about this. I'll listen to you!" Lin Haoran replied with a wry smile.

But thinking about it carefully, it really is time to give Guo Xiaohan a formal title.

Now that I have built such a large business empire, it is time for my descendants to inherit it.

Someone of his status should have many children and much happiness, but he's still not married, which is really a bit unreasonable.

“Alright, since you put it that way, let’s do it today! I heard from Xiaohan that her parents are in Hong Kong right now, so let’s meet tonight and finalize the engagement.” Lin’s mother seemed to have been waiting for Lin Haoran to say this, and hurriedly said.

"Um... isn't this too rushed? I didn't prepare any gifts," Lin Haoran said helplessly.

Have Xiaohan's parents come to Hong Kong?
Lin Haoran hadn't really paid much attention to this matter.

During this period, the business battle between Bank of East Asia and Huifeng Bank was raging fiercely and extremely intense.

Perhaps for this reason, Guo Xiaohan was afraid of bothering him, so their contact was not as frequent or close as before.

Therefore, Guo Xiaohan didn't even look for Yamada Keiko during the few days she was there.

However, Lin Haoran was also aware that although Guo Xiaohan did not contact him frequently, she often talked to Lin's mother on the phone and frequently went to the Lin family villa in Deep Water Bay.

Judging from her demeanor, she clearly already considered herself the Lin family's future daughter-in-law and had integrated into the family.

"Hao'er, don't worry about this. Your father and I have already made preparations for you. Here's what we'll do: if you have time now, go home right away. Later, we'll go to Xiaohan's house together and invite Mr. Guo Henian's family as well. We'll all sit down and have a good talk to finalize the engagement!" Before Lin Haoran could even agree, Lin's mother made the decision swiftly and decisively.

"Alright, I just left the company and I'm going back to Deep Water Bay right now!" Lin Haoran nodded and said, though he was in a bit of a hurry, he didn't refuse.

"Alright, I won't talk to you anymore. I'll put the gift in the car first. Come back soon!" Lin's mother couldn't wait any longer and hung up the phone immediately after saying that.

Lin Haoran shook his head with a wry smile and said to Li Weidong, who was sitting in the driver's seat, "Turn around and go back to Deep Water Bay Villa."

"Okay, boss!" Just then, the light turned green, and Li Weidong changed his route at the intersection and headed towards Deep Water Bay.

Half an hour later, Lin Haoran returned to the Deep Water Bay villa.

Since returning from Japan, Lin Haoran only came back once shortly after his return, and hasn't been back since.

At that moment, several servants were busy moving some gifts into Lin Wan'an's Rolls-Royce, while Lin's mother was directing them from the side.

"Mommy, where's Daddy?" Lin Haoran looked around and, not seeing his father, asked.

"He's on the phone in his study," Lin's mother said, pointing inside the villa.

"Then I'll go inside and find Daddy," Lin Haoran said, and walked into the villa.

Lin Haoran walked lightly into the villa. The door to the study was half-open, and Lin's father's voice could be faintly heard coming from inside.

From what he said, Lin Haoran guessed that Lin Wan'an was probably on the phone with Guo Henian.

Lin Haoran was just about to wait outside the study for his father to finish his phone call before going in when his father had just hung up.

"Hao'er, you're back!" Lin Wan'an greeted Lin Haoran with a big smile upon seeing him at the door.

As the saying goes, a father's status rises with his son's. During this period, Lin Haoran successfully defeated Huifeng Bank and even acquired Hengsheng Bank, which is enough to elevate Lin Wan'an's status in the industry to a higher level.

Therefore, Lin's father was naturally extremely proud.

Now in Hong Kong, wherever he goes, people give him face and treat him with utmost respect.

Including Lin Haoran's eldest brother Lin Haoning, his two older sisters, and other relatives around Lin Haoran, their status has actually been elevated.

This is the deterrent effect brought about by Lin Haoran's sudden increase in wealth and status.

"Daddy," Lin Haoran greeted his father.

"I just discussed it with Mr. Guo Henian. We'll meet at the Guo family villa in Deep Water Bay at 7 p.m. tonight. Xiaohan's parents, Mr. Guo Henian, and his wife will be waiting for us there," Lin Wan'an said with a smile.

Guo Henian has invested in many villas in the past two years. Last year, they lived in the villa on the hilltop, but now they have moved to Deep Water Bay.

Now, Guo Henian and Lin Wan'an's family are neighbors, even though their two families are a few hundred meters apart, which is not far.

This is why Lin Haoran went directly back to the Deep Water Bay villa instead of waiting for his parents in Central.

Lin Haoran glanced at his watch; it was almost six o'clock in the evening.

Time was a bit tight, but he didn't need to worry about it. In addition, both sets of parents were satisfied with his relationship with Guo Xiaohan, so there was no need to be too concerned about any unexpected situations.

Lin Haoran nodded slightly and said, "Daddy, I'll go back to my room to change my clothes and get ready. We'll set off in a bit."

"Okay, hurry back, don't keep Xiaohan and the others waiting." Lin Wan'an waved with a smile, then turned around and went out to check the prepared gifts to make sure nothing was missing.

Lin Haoran returned to his room, chose a well-fitting suit, paired it with an elegant tie and leather shoes, and carefully tidied his appearance in front of the mirror.

He looked at his mature and composed self in the mirror, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

What a handsome man!

After changing his clothes, Lin Haoran left his room and went to the living room.

At this moment, Lin's mother had already arranged everything and was sitting on the sofa talking quietly with Lin's father, her face beaming with joy.

"Hao'er, is everything ready?" Lin's mother asked as soon as she saw Lin Haoran, while carefully examining him.

"All done, Mommy," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.

Lin's mother held Lin Haoran's arms and looked him over, her eyes full of satisfaction: "Not bad, not bad, my son is so handsome!"

"Then let's set off. Let's not keep our in-laws waiting." Mr. Lin stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked towards the door first.

The family got into the car and drove towards the Guo family villa.

The villas in Deep Water Bay are all located on the hillside, and each villa is far apart from the others, ensuring that each has its own private space.

Along the way, Lin's mother patiently reminded Lin Haoran of the etiquette and words he should pay attention to when meeting Guo Xiaohan's parents, and Lin Haoran agreed to everything.

Before long, the car arrived at the Guo family villa. The courtyard of the villa was brightly lit.

Guo Henian and his wife were already standing at the door to greet them. When they saw the Lin family arrive, they immediately put on a warm smile.

Standing next to Guo Henian was a couple who looked slightly older than him, and the man resembled Guo Henian somewhat.

Standing next to the couple, Guo Xiaohan looked a little nervous, and when she saw Lin Haoran, her face was full of shyness.

Clearly, the man next to Guo Xiaohan is Guo Henian's older brother and Guo Xiaohan's parents.

"Mr. and Mrs. Lin, welcome, welcome!" Guo Henian quickly stepped forward and shook hands with Mr. and Mrs. Lin.

"Mr. Guo, Mrs. Guo, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," Mr. Lin replied with a smile.

"Come, come, let me introduce you. This is my elder brother, Guo Hechuan, and this is my sister-in-law, Chen Meiling." Guo Henian smiled as he introduced the two people beside him to the Lin family.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin hurriedly and warmly greeted them, shaking hands with Mr. and Mrs. Guo Hechuan and exchanging pleasantries, saying, "We have long admired you. We have heard Mr. Guo mention you before. It is an honor to finally meet you today."

Mr. and Mrs. Guo Hechuan responded with smiles, "Mr. and Mrs. Lin, you are too kind. We have long heard of Haoran's talent at such a young age, and it is our honor to be able to meet him today."

Guo Henian, the elder brother, was naturally extremely pleased that his daughter was able to marry a young Chinese-American business tycoon like Lin Haoran.

Lin Haoran stepped forward and politely greeted Mr. and Mrs. Guo Hechuan: "Uncle Guo, Aunt Guo, hello."

He didn't have any aversion to the Guo family.

At first, he really didn't care about any arranged marriage, because with his status, he didn't need one at all.

However, as he spent more time with Guo Xiaohan, he had already accepted her in his heart.

Therefore, Lin Haoran had no objection to marrying Guo Xiaohan.

Guo Hechuan looked at Lin Haoran with admiration in his eyes: "Haoran, you are truly a handsome and talented man. We are at ease entrusting Xiaohan to you."

Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Uncle Guo, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of Xiaohan."

At this moment, Guo Xiaohan blushed and shyly walked to Lin Haoran's side, saying softly, "Haoran, welcome."

Lin Haoran smiled slightly and replied softly, "Xiaohan, you look beautiful today."

Guo Xiaohan's face turned even redder, and she lowered her head, but a happy smile spread across her face.

Guo Xiaohan was clearly dressed up carefully today.

She wore a light pink evening gown, the skirt of which flared out like a flower, perfectly outlining her graceful figure.

Her long, jet-black hair was carefully styled into an updo, with a few stray strands falling naturally on either side of her face, adding to her gentle and graceful appearance.

Her exquisite makeup made her already beautiful features even more outstanding. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes were like stars, her lips were red and her teeth were white. Under the light, she exuded a charming radiance.

Looking at the perfect couple before her, Lin's mother's eyes were filled with satisfaction and joy. She stepped forward, gently took Guo Xiaohan's hand, and said with a smile, "Xiaohan, you look so beautiful today. Standing next to our Haoran, you two are a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

Guo Xiaohan lowered her head shyly and said softly, "Thank you for the compliment, Auntie."

Guo Henian smiled and nodded, "Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, let's not stand at the door, let's go in and sit down. I've already had dinner prepared."

Lin Haoran had his bodyguards unload the gifts from the car and bring them inside.

Everyone entered the villa.

Engagements between wealthy families in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong are actually quite similar.

The engagement process revolves around "family communication → matching birth dates and choosing an auspicious date → exchanging betrothal gifts → returning gifts → engagement banquet → official announcement." The focus is on using the grandeur of the betrothal gifts, family meetings, and small-scale banquets to "privately confirm and semi-publicly announce the engagement."

Before the engagement, both families will communicate to confirm their intention to get married.

For families like the Lin and Guo, the marriage agreement is basically finalized, but the necessary procedures still need to be followed.

For example, the elders of both families can meet to clarify their intention to get married.

If a business marriage is involved, additional matters such as cooperation on family resources may be discussed simultaneously.

Of course, although both the Lin and Guo families are wealthy, Lin Haoran doesn't see their marriage as a business arrangement. It's more about his affection for Guo Xiaohan, so there's no need to discuss any resource cooperation.

Bringing these things out on the table makes the marriage seem too transactional, which Lin Haoran doesn't like.

Guo Henian understood Lin Haoran's personality and naturally wouldn't bring up these matters.

In any case, the two sides have already had a lot of business cooperation, so there's no need to make it too profit-driven.

The Guo family had a very lavish dinner. At the table, the two sides chatted very happily, and the topic gradually shifted from everyday family matters to their outlook on the future.

Mr. Lin raised his glass first, and said with a kind smile, "It is truly a joyous occasion that our two families can gather together today to discuss Haoran and Xiaohan's engagement."

"It's a blessing for both our families that these two children have come together. From now on, we're one family. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything, and we'll work together to overcome any difficulties."

Mr. Guo quickly stood up, raised his wine glass, and replied, "Mr. Lin is absolutely right. Haoran is a promising young man, and Xiaohan is fortunate to marry him. Our two families must stay in touch and support each other in the future."

Everyone raised their glasses and drank them down, making the atmosphere even more harmonious.

Looking at Guo Xiaohan with loving eyes, Lin's mother took her hand and said, "Xiaohan, from now on you are a member of our Lin family. If Haoran dares to bully you, just tell your aunt, and your aunt will stand up for you."

Guo Xiaohan blushed and said shyly, "Auntie, Haoran is very good to me, and I believe he won't bully me."

Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Mommy, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of Xiaohan and won't let her suffer any grievances."

After dinner, everyone came to the living room and sat down one by one.

"Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, and Haoran, since both sides are very satisfied with this marriage, let's match Haoran and Xiaohan's birth dates and times and pick an auspicious day to finalize the matter! As for the wedding date, we can choose another good day after the engagement." Guo Henian laughed loudly and said.

As Guo Xiaohan's uncle, he naturally hoped that his niece and Lin Haoran could get married.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin exchanged a glance, both with smiles on their faces.

Mr. Lin spoke first: “Mr. Guo is very thoughtful. We will do as you say. Our Lin family has long been prepared for the matter of matching birth dates. We have kept Haoran’s birth date and time carefully and will give it to you later.”

Guo Henian nodded in satisfaction: "That would be perfect. I'll arrange for someone to invite a familiar feng shui master to choose the most auspicious day so that the engagement ceremony of these two children can go smoothly, and also to wish them a happy and fulfilling marriage in the future."

Lin's mother smiled and said, "Mr. Guo is too kind. Our Lin family also hopes that Xiaohan can become our daughter-in-law soon. I like Xiaohan from the bottom of my heart."

Hearing everyone's words, Guo Xiaohan blushed with embarrassment. She secretly glanced at Lin Haoran, her eyes filled with sweetness and anticipation.

"Haoran, take Xiaohan for a walk in the yard. We, the parents, can discuss the rest later." Guo Henian glanced at Guo Xiaohan, who was blushing, smiled slightly, and said to Lin Haoran.

“Alright, Xiaohan, let’s go sit in the courtyard.” Lin Haoran stood up and extended his right hand to Guo Xiaohan.

Guo Xiaohan raised her head slightly, her eyes filled with shyness and joy. She gently placed her hand in Lin Haoran's palm, and the two smiled at each other, then walked hand in hand out of the living room and into the yard.

In the courtyard, the moonlight, like water, shone on the two of them.

A gentle breeze carries the fragrance of flowers, making one feel refreshed and relaxed.

Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan strolled along the garden path.

The Guo family's backyard is very large, covering several hundred square meters.

Finally, the two sat together on a stone bench in the backyard.

"Brother Haoran, I'm so happy. I never thought our engagement would be settled today," Guo Xiaohan said softly, her voice trembling slightly with excitement and happiness.

She had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

It has been a long time since I met Lin Haoran.

At first, she thought she and Lin Haoran were a good match.

But as Lin Haoran's power in the business world grew stronger, Guo Xiaohan even felt that she was not good enough for him.

Although the Guo family was the richest family in Southeast Asia, the person in charge of the family was, after all, her uncle, Guo Henan.

Lin Haoran gently held Guo Xiaohan's hand, looking at her tenderly: "Xiaohan, I've been looking forward to this day too. However, there's something I need to confess to you. I have other women, but I can assure you that I will only marry you. If you mind, it's not too late!"

He could keep this from Guo Xiaohan, but it wouldn't make much difference.

For example, his relationship with Kwan Ka-wai is hardly a secret in Hong Kong's upper class these days.

If he doesn't come out about this before marriage, it might cause a huge rift and conflict between him and Guo Xiaohan after marriage, and Lin Haoran doesn't want to see that happen.

If Guo Xiaohan minds, it's not too late.

Given his status and position, it was impossible for him to have only one woman in his entire life.

Since that's the case, Lin Haoran simply said it outright.

Guo Xiaohan was slightly taken aback when she heard Lin Haoran's words, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

She leaned gently on Lin Haoran's shoulder and whispered, "Brother Haoran, I actually knew a long time ago. A man as outstanding as you will naturally have no shortage of suitors. My uncle also mentioned this to me before."

I don't mind if you have other women, as long as you have me in your heart, and as long as you can give me the respect and status I deserve, I'll be satisfied.

Guo Henian had told Guo Xiaohan about this more than a year ago.

After all, let alone Lin Haoran, even Guo Henian himself has two wives.

Therefore, Guo Xiaohan was already mentally prepared.

Lin Haoran was surprised by Guo Xiaohan's understanding and was deeply moved.

He held Guo Xiaohan's hand tightly and said solemnly, "Xiaohan, don't worry, I will definitely treat you well. From now on, you will be my lawfully wedded wife, and no one can replace you in my heart."

I will give you a grand and unforgettable wedding, making you the happiest woman in the world.

The two nestled together, enjoying this warm and romantic moment.

(End of this chapter)