In Hong Kong, we build a global business empire

Chapter 689 The Birth of a New Financial Overlord!

In the afternoon, after returning to the villa on Shi Xun Road, Lin Haoran asked the kitchen to prepare a special Southeast Asian meal for the evening.

Although there are many Chinese in Southeast Asia, in addition to Chinese and indigenous people, there are also many other groups such as Indians and Arabs.

It can be said that the whole of Southeast Asia is actually a hodgepodge.

Influenced by various cultures, Southeast Asian cuisine has also developed its own unique characteristics.

Around 7 p.m., Lin Haoran heard a car horn honking outside the villa.

He peered out from the third-floor terrace and, unsurprisingly, saw Guo Xiaohan's red car.

Lin Haoran personally came downstairs to greet her.

Today, Guo Xiaohan wore a pure white long dress, the hem of which was gently lifted by the breeze, swaying gracefully, just like a lily that stands alone in the world, pure and elegant, exuding an aura of being untouched by the dust of the world.

Although her outfit was very conservative, it could not hide her proud and almost perfect figure at all, but instead added a touch of subtle allure.

"Brother Haoran, I'm sorry I'm late," Guo Xiaohan said apologetically as she got out of the car.

Lin Haoran glanced at Guo Xiaohan's outfit and guessed that she must have dressed up specially after getting off work.

He waved his hand and laughed, "It's alright, I haven't been back long either. Come on, let's go inside. Dinner is ready and waiting for you."

The two exchanged a smile and glanced at each other. Lin Haoran naturally took Guo Xiaohan's delicate hand and walked into the villa.

A candlelight dinner has been set out on the table.

The soft candlelight flickered, illuminating the pristine white tablecloth and exquisite tableware, while a vibrant red rose in the center exuded fragrance.

This was specially arranged by Lin Haoran's maid.

Surrounded by candlelight are brightly colored Southeast Asian dishes.

The curry crab sauce is thick and coats the plump crab; the satay skewers are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, brushed with a special sauce; the coconut rice exudes a coconut aroma, paired with fried chicken wings and fresh shrimp, a harmonious combination.

This is undoubtedly a truly authentic Southeast Asian meal.

In recent years, Nanyang conglomerates have flocked to Hong Kong to invest, bringing a rich and profound Nanyang culture to this prosperous city.

This explains why, even as British conglomerates continued to withdraw from Hong Kong over the past decade or so, Hong Kong's economy not only did not decline but instead flourished, thanks in no small part to the investments of the Nanyang conglomerates.

Lin Haoran learned from Guo Xiaohan that Guo's parents had gone to Haojiang today.

Night had fallen, and after the servants had served all the dishes, only Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan remained in the dining room.

Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan sat facing each other after turning off the lights in the dining room.

"Brother Haoran, how romantic!" Guo Xiaohan's eyes sparkled with surprise and emotion.

Lin Haoran smiled gently, his gaze lingering on Guo Xiaohan with deep affection, as if the whole world had shrunk to just this beautiful woman before him.

"As long as you like it, I will create more romance for you in the future," he said softly.

He knew perfectly well that girls love romance.

Especially for wealthy heiresses like Guo Xiaohan, a romantic love story is highly desired.

Lin Haoran may not be able to be faithful, but he can still occasionally bring Guo Xiaohan a romantic moment.

Guo Xiaohan blushed slightly, lowered her head, and unconsciously twisted the hem of her skirt with both hands. The white skirt trembled gently between her slender fingers, as if it too was shy about this sweet moment.

"Brother Haoran, you're so good to me," she whispered, her voice tinged with shyness and dependence.

"Xiaohan, in my heart, you are the most dazzling star, illuminating every corner of my life. I want to give you the best of everything and make you the happiest woman in the world." Lin Haoran said sweetly as he picked up the glass of red wine he had poured.

At this moment, Guo Xiaohan seemed to be in the happiest moment. She also picked up her wine glass, and the two glasses clinked together, the crisp sound echoing in the quiet restaurant.

Guo Xiaohan's cheeks were flushed, her eyes filled with sweetness and affection. She took a sip of red wine, and the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, revealing a charming smile.

"Brother Haoran, this wine smells so good. I've been looking forward to this scene for so long," Guo Xiaohan said softly, her voice even a little choked up.

She had liked Lin Haoran for over two years, and it was she who took the initiative.

Therefore, she had always hoped that this day would come.

Now, her dream has come true, and the two have even set an engagement date, which makes Guo Xiaohan happy, but even more excited.

Lin Haoran put down his wine glass, reached out and gently held Guo Xiaohan's hand. Her hand was soft and delicate, which made Lin Haoran's heart flutter.

The two had known each other for quite some time, but he didn't treat Guo Xiaohan as casually as he did other girls.

So, to this day, the two of them have only ever kissed, and have never crossed that final line.

"Silly girl!" Lin Haoran gently squeezed Guo Xiaohan's hand, his eyes filled with doting smiles. "Why are you crying? On such a happy day, you should be smiling."

Guo Xiaohan quickly wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and smiled sheepishly, "I'm just too happy! Ever since I first met with your Lin family to discuss cooperation with my uncle, I've been..."

"You fell in love with me at first sight?" Lin Haoran teased her deliberately, gently lifting her chin with his fingers.

"No way!" Guo Xiaohan blushed and slapped his hand away. "I just think that you, the famous richest man in Hong Kong, are so prone to being sarcastic."

The two smiled at each other, the candlelight flickering in their eyes.

The candlelight dinner lasted a full hour before it ended.

After dinner, Lin Haoran sat on the sofa chair on the third-floor terrace, naturally holding Guo Xiaohan in his arms, enjoying the sea breeze of Victoria Harbour, and gazing at the crescent moon in the sky.

As Lin Haoran played with Guo Xiaohan's delicate hands and smelled her unique fragrance, he felt a sense of romance.

This is something that Kwan Ka-wai and Yamada Keiko would hardly understand.

"Brother Haoran, tonight, I... I want to stay and keep you company," Guo Xiaohan said, mustering her courage as she lay in Lin Haoran's arms.

Lin Haoran was surprised and withdrew his gaze from admiring the moon, looking down at Guo Xiaohan, whose cheeks were flushed, in his arms.

Under the moonlight, her long eyelashes trembled gently, and the night breeze lifted a corner of her white skirt, revealing her slender ankles.

"Have you thought it through?" Lin Haoran did not refuse. The other party had taken the initiative; if he refused, he would truly be a saint.

Guo Xiaohan looked up, her eyes filled with an unprecedented determination.

She gazed intently at Lin Haoran: "Brother Haoran, I've made up my mind. We're getting engaged next month, so I've long considered myself your woman. It's just a matter of time."

I...I want to give myself to you completely tonight.

At this moment, the night breeze seemed to suddenly become hot, carrying a hint of ambiguity that permeated the air.

Lin Haoran felt his breath catch in his throat. He took a deep breath, and his desire surged up like a tidal wave. Even Guo Xiaohan keenly noticed the strangeness in his lower body.

Her cheeks flushed instantly, like the rosy clouds on the horizon. Although she was inexperienced, how could she not know the meaning behind that strange reaction?

“I’ve never been so sure.” Guo Xiaohan gently wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed her face against his ear, and said in a soft voice that was full of deep affection: “In the past two years, I have rejected countless suitors.”

In the wealthy circles of Southeast Asia, many rich young men are infatuated with me, and even in Hong Kong, many scions of wealthy families are trying to pursue me.

But I know in my heart that from the very first moment I saw you, my heart has been completely full, with only room for you.

Lin Haoran knew in his heart that Guo Xiaohan's words were not unfounded.

Guo Xiaohan is not only from a wealthy family, but she also comes from the Guo family, one of the richest families in Southeast Asia, and she is a rare beauty.

A girl who is showered with love and has such excellent qualities is undoubtedly the best marriage prospect in the eyes of many wealthy families, and it is only natural that she has countless suitors.

Lin Haoran has always known in his heart that he has never been a person who is faithful in relationships.

In addition, as a time traveler, he had always been averse to arranged marriages, believing that with his own conditions, there was no need for any arranged marriages.

In his view, the concept of "marrying someone of equal social standing" would only restrict his freedom.

Therefore, even though Guo Xiaohan had repeatedly expressed her love for him, he had never agreed to it.

He couldn't bear to let down such a girl who was so affectionate towards him. Moreover, he could always feel that Guo Xiaohan's love for him was pure and sincere, and that it was definitely not for his wealth.

After all, when the two first met, Lin Haoran had already achieved some success, but compared to the Guo family's unparalleled wealth and status in Southeast Asia, it was just a drop in the ocean and not worth mentioning at all.

However, as Lin Haoran spent more time with Guo Xiaohan, especially in England, their feelings for each other grew stronger, which gradually led him to accept her in his heart.

Guo Xiaohan's love for Lin Haoran was undoubtedly humble; she even directly stated that she didn't mind him having other women outside.

Such deep affection finally touched Lin Haoran's heart, which originally did not want to be bound.

At this moment, with the beauty in his arms offering herself willingly, Lin Haoran could no longer suppress the throbbing in his heart.

Full, warm and lustful.

He scooped Guo Xiaohan up in his arms and strode toward the bedroom.

"Brother Haoran," Guo Xiaohan buried her face in his chest, her heart pounding like a drum, her slender fingers tightly gripping his white shirt.

Although she had prepared well in advance, she was still filled with nervousness and shyness when the moment actually arrived.

Her body trembled slightly, and her breathing became rapid.

Lin Haoran sensed the unease in the woman's arms and whispered in her ear, "Don't be afraid, I'll be very gentle."

His voice was deep and magnetic, carrying a reassuring power.

In the master bedroom, moonlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows and fell on the large bed.

Lin Haoran gently put her down and leaned down to gaze at her shy face.

Guo Xiaohan's long hair cascaded across the pristine white sheets, highlighting her snow-white skin and breathtaking beauty. "You're so beautiful," Lin Haoran exclaimed sincerely, his slender fingers gently stroking her cheek.

Guo Xiaohan closed her eyes shyly, her eyelashes trembling slightly: "Brother Haoran, I'm a little scared."

"Look at me." Lin Haoran cupped her face in his hands. "Trust me, okay?"

Guo Xiaohan slowly opened her eyes and met his gentle gaze, and the unease in her heart gradually dissipated.

She nodded gently, wrapped her arms around his neck, and offered him her red lips.

……

The next day, Lin Haoran stayed home with Guo Xiaohan instead of going anywhere else.

Having just celebrated her coming-of-age ceremony, Guo Xiaohan's love for Lin Haoran has only intensified after last night's events.

Guo Xiaohan naturally didn't dare to go out, otherwise her unnatural walking posture would easily be noticed.

Lin Haoran sat on the sofa in the living room, with Guo Xiaohan leaning on his shoulder as they watched "The Twin Heroes of Beidou" on TV.

This TV series began airing on TVB Jade in early August. Starring Chow Yun-fat, Tony Leung, and others, the series is set against the backdrop of a police-gangster struggle. As soon as it was released, it was loved by the citizens of Hong Kong and its ratings remained high.

Lin Haoran chuckled and pinched the tip of her nose: "Does it still hurt?"

"Oh! Don't say that!" Guo Xiaohan buried her face in his chest in embarrassment, gently punching his chest with her small hands.

"Haha~"

The two stayed together at the villa on Shi Xun Road for two whole days. It wasn't until the morning of the third day that Guo Xiaohan reluctantly drove away in her red car.

Although Guo Xiaohan is preparing for her engagement, she still holds an important position in the Kerry Group, so she still has to go to work when it's time to go to work.

Yesterday, she lied to her uncle Guo Henian, saying that she was feeling unwell and wouldn't be going.

Guo Henian, having been through it all, naturally guessed that young people inevitably act impulsively during the honeymoon phase.

He even jokingly said on the phone, "Xiaohan, Haoran is with you, right? You young people need to know how to be moderate."

After hanging up the phone, Guo Xiaohan's face turned as red as a ripe apple.

Outside the Lin family villa, Lin Haoran stood with his gaze fixed on Guo Xiaohan's car as it drove further and further away, until it became a small shadow and finally disappeared from sight. Only then did he slowly withdraw his gaze.

That gentle embrace is like a cup of fragrant and tempting wine; sometimes it truly intoxicates one, making it difficult to extricate oneself.

However, life isn't all about romance.

I checked the time; it was already a little past nine in the morning.

"Wei Dong, Wei Guo, let's go to the Kang Le Building!" Lin Haoran said to the two brothers not far behind him.

"Good boss!"

The Rolls-Royce slowly drove away from the villa, followed by two private cars, and the convoy quickly headed towards the Kang Le Building.

Yesterday afternoon, He Shanheng called Lin Haoran and told him that Hengsheng Group would be officially established at 10:00 AM today.

Moreover, He Shanheng specially invited many industry leaders as guests to witness the establishment of Hengsheng Group.

According to Ho Sin-hang, even Governor Merrihau has confirmed his participation.

This is also normal.

Today, Hengsheng Group holds a market share of over 62.3%, and Huifeng Bank, which once dominated the industry, has been completely replaced by it.

Therefore, Hengsheng Group has become a formidable force in Hong Kong that cannot be ignored.

Such a grand spectacle was so impressive that even Governor Merrih had to take it seriously and naturally had to give it due respect.

In addition, a host of industry leaders, including Mr. Brown, the Hong Kong tycoon of Standard Chartered Bank, and the Hong Kong general manager of Citibank, will be present. According to Ho Sin-hang, dozens of financial industry leaders will be attending.

As the owner of Hengsheng Group, Lin Haoran naturally wouldn't miss this extraordinary event.

The convoy sped along at breakneck speed and soon arrived at the Kang Le Building.

Colorful flags fluttered in the wind in front of the building, and the crowd was bustling and lively, as if it were about to boil over.

A huge banner hung high, with the words "Warmly celebrate the grand establishment of Hengsheng Group" in red and yellow characters, shining brightly in the sunlight and attracting much attention.

Although Hengsheng Group only occupies one floor of the Kang Le Building, it is undoubtedly the protagonist of this grand event today, and even Landmark Group will give it face!
I took the elevator with practiced ease and arrived at the 42nd floor, which is the new headquarters office of Hengsheng Group.

When the elevator doors opened, Lin Haoran saw that the office was already filled with people, including many senior executives from East Asia Bank, Heng Sheng Bank, and Dao Heng Bank, such as Da Shan and He Shanheng.

"Good morning, boss."

Good morning, boss.

One respectful greeting after another reached Lin Haoran's ears.

Lin Haoran nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before finally settling on He Shanheng: "Uncle He, how are the preparations going?"

He Shanheng strode forward, his face beaming with undisguised excitement: "Everything is ready! Governor Merrihau is already on his way and is expected to arrive in ten minutes. The media reporters have also been given their seats."

"Very good." Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Dashan: "What about security?"

Da Shan immediately replied, "Don't worry, boss. We've already negotiated with Huanyu Security Company and have arranged ten times the usual manpower today to ensure everything goes smoothly."

Just as Lin Haoran was about to say something more, the elevator opened again with a "ding".

A blond, blue-eyed foreign man strode out, followed by several well-dressed entourage members.

“Mr. Brown!” He Shanheng greeted him warmly, “I didn’t expect you to arrive so early.”

Brown, the Hong Kong tycoon of Standard Chartered Bank, put on a bold and magnanimous appearance, grinning widely as he loudly laughed, "On such an important day as the founding of Hengsheng Group, how could I dare to delay or be even a fraction of a second late!"

Mr. Lin, Mr. He, on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank, I would like to extend my congratulations on the grand opening of Hengsheng Group! This is a small gift from Standard Chartered Bank; we hope you will not find it offensive.

However, in Lin Haoran's eyes, Brown's smile was as fake as a mask painted with cheap paint, and it looked unreal no matter how you looked at it.

After all, just a few days ago, Brown had harbored malicious intentions and almost used underhanded tactics to trap Lin Haoran.

If Lin Haoran hadn't acted decisively and used strong methods, they might have actually succeeded in their scheme.

But on second thought, this is actually quite normal.

After all, from now on, the two sides will be open competitors, and the only business rivals that are worth going all out for and taking seriously.

Seeing an opponent grow stronger and stronger would be unpleasant for anyone.

As Brown spoke, he gently raised his hand, gesturing for his attendant to step forward and present a beautifully packaged gift box.

Lin Haoran smiled and took the gift box. He could tell from the box that it was made of high-quality materials and was exquisitely crafted. It was indeed a rare and exquisite item.

He slowly opened the gift box on the spot, and there lay a pair of pure gold Pixiu ornaments, shining brightly and lifelike in appearance, clearly of great value.

"Mr. Brown, you are too kind." Lin Haoran's gaze lingered on the Pixiu for a moment, and he said sincerely with a smile, "I really like this generous gift."

Although Lin Haoran knew that the relationship between the two sides would inevitably become fiercely competitive in the future, he naturally couldn't show any displeasure to the other party on the spot, since the other party had given him such face and sent such an expensive gift.

“If Mr. Lin likes it, that would be wonderful.” Upon seeing this, Brown laughed heartily, his voice echoing in the air.

Next, one after another, bigwigs from Hong Kong's financial industry arrived, each presenting their congratulatory gifts. Soon, the offices of Hengsheng Group were piled high with gift boxes.

Once upon a time, Huifeng Bank was the leading financial institution in Hong Kong, and everyone in the industry had to give them face.

From now on, this position has been completely handed over to Hengsheng Group.

On such an important day, no one in the industry dared to disrespect Hengsheng Group.

This is the cruel and realistic law of business: the stronger you are, the more respectful and courteous others will be to you.

Unless, of course, they don't want to work in this industry anymore.

Just as Lin Haoran, He Shanheng, and other high-ranking officials were receiving the bigwigs, the walkie-talkie on the mountainside came from the receptionist downstairs: "Mr. Dashan, the Governor has arrived at the Kang Le Building. Our people are now leading the Governor up in the elevator."

The sound wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the scene.

"Everyone, let's go to the stairwell to greet the Governor!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.

This statement immediately garnered everyone's approval.

Everyone gathered at the elevator entrance, waiting for Governor Merrih to arrive.

Several seconds later, with a ding at the elevator entrance, the elevator doors slowly opened.

Standing inside was none other than Mr. Murray MacLehose, the Governor of Hong Kong.

"Governor, welcome!" Lin Haoran smiled and shook hands with Mai Lihao as he stepped out of the elevator.

“Mr. Lin, congratulations! On behalf of the Governor’s Office of Hong Kong, I extend my congratulations to you and wish Heng Sheng Group all the best,” Mai Lihao said as he shook hands.

After he finished speaking, he handed a gift box to his attendant.

Lin Haoran accepted the gift box with both hands and smiled politely, "Governor, your presence is already an honor for Hengsheng Group, and this gift makes me even more honored."

Mai Lihao smiled and waved his hand: "Mr. Lin, you are too kind. Hengsheng Group is now shining brightly in Hong Kong's financial world, injecting new vitality into Hong Kong's economic development. This gift is just a small token of my appreciation."

Lin Haoran gently opened the gift box, and inside was an exquisitely framed calligraphy work.

Upon unfolding it, one sees the four large characters "宏图大展" (meaning "Great Ambitions Unfold") written in a vigorous and powerful style, clearly the work of a renowned calligrapher.

(End of this chapter)