Chapter 354 A Bomb Planted Under the Car
While Niu Bijian and Henry Keswick were busy discussing their plans, Lin Haoran was not idle either.
After the announcement that Ma Shiming would be taking over as General Manager and Vice Chairman of the Board of Jardines Matheson, Lin Haoran received an invitation from a prestigious newspaper requesting an exclusive interview.
That newspaper was none other than The New York Times.
Given The New York Times' significant global influence, Lin Haoran eventually accepted the invitation.
After all, how did Bao Yugang become recognized worldwide as the "King of the Seas"? It was precisely thanks to the promotion by American media such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and Newsweek, which spread his name across the globe.
Of course, Bao Yugang's own extraordinary capabilities were the fundamental reason for his title, but it was international media that made him known even to ordinary people.
Years ago, Newsweek even ran a cover story hailing Bao Yugang as the "King of the Seas," and he could call the White House and speak directly to the U.S. President.
Thus, when a businessman reaches a certain height, their social standing inevitably rises as well.
Lin Haoran clearly understood this.
Although in the past two years he had mostly operated within Hong Kong, Hong Kong itself was a world-renowned international city—
a free port known for its finance, trade, and shipping industries.
Therefore, even though Lin Haoran's achievements were mainly in Hong Kong, his wealth already rivaled that of the world's top tycoons.
What he lacked was global recognition.
Unlike Bao Yugang, who was known and respected by leaders worldwide, Lin Haoran still remained relatively unknown outside Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Britain.
Thus, this interview with The New York Times was an important first step.
The interview lasted more than an hour, and as expected from a top-tier media outlet, their questions were sharp and compelling.
They asked about Lin Haoran's views on the current global economic landscape, particularly the rise of Asian economies and Hong Kong's evolving role as Asia's financial hub.
After some thought, Lin Haoran replied that he believed Hong Kong would continue to act as a bridge between East and West, providing a stable and transparent platform for international investors thanks to its unique financial system and legal environment.
Later in the interview, the Times team boldly touched upon highly sensitive issues, especially the seemingly inexhaustible source of Lin Haoran's funds.
Given how confidently and effortlessly Lin Haoran moved in every acquisition, his smooth financial operations naturally attracted curiosity and speculation.
Faced with such probing, Lin Haoran responded wisely and cautiously.
He didn't disclose any specifics but answered in a dignified and vague manner,
protecting his privacy while avoiding any awkwardness.
He knew very well that his wealth largely stemmed from his advantage as a time traveler, allowing him to foresee many opportunities and amass a massive fortune.
If he said too much, it would sound unbelievable—better to remain vague.
"My funds come from various sources," Lin Haoran smiled calmly.
"They include early accumulation through hard work, support from partners, precise market judgments, and, of course, the efforts and wisdom of my team."
This answer tactfully avoided sensitive disclosures while subtly conveying the multifaceted nature of his success, earning respect from the interview team.
After the interview, Lin Haoran didn't think much more about it.
He knew that with his rising stature in the business world,
it was only a matter of time before he gained global fame.
Just like how The New York Times promised to feature him on their next cover—
this would only be the beginning.
More top-tier international media would soon follow.
And with each report, his influence would grow.
Lin Haoran had the unique advantage of foresight,
giving him an edge in accumulating wealth far beyond ordinary people.
Though he wasn't yet as globally famous as Bao Yugang had been,
Lin Haoran believed that in terms of wealth, he had already surpassed him.
Even Hong Kong Commercial Daily recently crowned him Hong Kong's richest man,
a title that no one contested.
Among Hong Kong's society—businessmen and common citizens alike—
everyone had already recognized Lin Haoran as the pinnacle of wealth.
After the interview, Lin Haoran sat in his office at Wanqing Tower,
tapping his fingers rhythmically on his desk.
Having secured Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson,
he had reached the peak of Hong Kong's business world.
Frankly speaking,
even Shen Bi, Hong Kong's finance giant, was now at best his equal.
If there was anything else in Hong Kong that still interested Lin Haoran,
perhaps it would be Huifeng Bank.
However, Lin Haoran was fully aware that even though he had taken over Jardines Matheson,
he was not yet powerful enough to control Huifeng Bank.
Jardines Matheson's assets affected many British consortiums.
But Huifeng Bank touched upon the interests of the British Hong Kong government itself.
How could they possibly allow a Chinese businessman to control it?
Thus, Lin Haoran never seriously entertained the idea of acquiring Huifeng Bank.
Becoming a member of its board was already a surprising bonus.
Even so, he understood that holding a board seat was largely meaningless.
After all, despite Jardines Matheson being a major shareholder of Huifeng Bank,
when push came to shove, Huifeng Bank had not lifted a finger to help Jardines Matheson.
Thus, Lin Haoran harbored no illusions about Huifeng Bank.
With no chance of conquering Hong Kong's last bastion of British finance,
he knew it was time to shift his sights overseas.
Though Jardines Matheson had many overseas investments,
Lin Haoran didn't find them impressive—
most were small local enterprises with limited prospects.
In contrast, the likes of Intel, ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, Siemens, Novo Nordisk, Toyota, Sony, Mitsubishi—
these companies represented true international potential.
Investing in them would obviously be far wiser than acquiring second-rate overseas businesses through Jardines Matheson.
His previous investment in Apple Inc. was proof enough.
Who didn't know by the 21st century just how bright Apple's future would be?
Just as Lin Haoran was pondering his global expansion strategy,
Burton rushed into the office.
"Boss, urgent news!" Burton said anxiously.
"Hmm? Urgent?" Lin Haoran raised his head, curious.
"Our security team discovered something suspicious under your car during a routine patrol in the underground parking lot.
Upon closer inspection, they found a time bomb attached underneath.
Fortunately, it was discovered in time.
We've already alerted the police, and the entire parking area is sealed off.
Security footage shows that shortly after your car entered the garage,
another car pulled up next to yours and the device was planted."
"If it hadn't been spotted early, the consequences would have been unimaginable!" Burton reported gravely.
Cold sweat immediately formed on Lin Haoran's forehead.
His heart pounded faster.
Someone had tried to assassinate him!
Luckily, he had been fortunate this time.
Otherwise, the outcome would have been disastrous.
Although his car was bulletproof,
it only reinforced the windows and body panels—
the undercarriage remained a vulnerable point.
If a time bomb exploded underneath the vehicle,
the result would have been catastrophic.
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