Chapter 438 Big Brother Lin Haoning's Humble Request for Advice
Lin Haoran naturally noticed Cao Shaoling's cautious behavior, but he didn't take it to heart.
After all, they were family, and the Lin family didn't have many members. Remembering how his older brother Lin Haoning had cared for him during their childhood, Lin Haoran decided to let past grievances go for now.
Of course, if he ever discovered that any family member harbored ill intentions toward him—such as being involved in the earlier car bombing incident—he would show no mercy, not even to his own blood.
In the face of interests, familial affection often became fragile.
Moreover, as a man who had traveled from another world, Lin Haoran, despite having fully integrated into this life, still harbored a faint sense of distance within.
Thus, even though he maintained a harmonious appearance with his brother and sister-in-law, he kept a certain distance emotionally.
Given their past actions, it was inevitable that the relationship between Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning could never be as genuinely close as that between ordinary siblings.
In the study, their father Lin Wanan sat behind a grand rosewood desk, his gaze drifting warmly between his two sons.
Now, both Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning had achieved far more wealth than the initial family fortune Lin Wanan had allocated to them.
Thanks to Lin Haoran's guidance, Lin Haoning had not only successfully entered the North American fan market but had also reinvested much of his profits into real estate—purchasing numerous plots of land, commercial buildings, and villas.
In just two years, the value of these assets had soared.
Today, Lin Haoning's total assets were worth over HK$400 million—well beyond what Lin Wanan had originally passed down.
As for Lin Haoran, his achievements were even more astonishing.
With his own efforts, he had created tidal waves in Hong Kong's business world, acquiring numerous leading companies and propelling Chinese-owned conglomerates to surpass the old British firms.
Most astonishing of all was his conquest of Hong Kong's real estate king—Jardines Matheson—and the successful privatization of the company.
Even Lin Wanan sometimes found it all dreamlike and unbelievable.
But the evidence was undeniable.
And although Lin Wanan had already retired from direct business management, the success of his younger son meant that wherever he went now, he was met with respect.
Even Hong Kong's titans—figures like Pao Yue-Kong and Li Jiacheng—treated him as an equal.
Such a level of respect had been unimaginable in the past.
Within Hong Kong's Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, as Vice President, Lin Wanan was now in a flourishing position; people gave him due deference wherever he went.
He knew perfectly well that all of this stemmed from his son Lin Haoran's dazzling achievements.
Thus, he felt nothing but pride and satisfaction.
After all, what greater wish did elders have than to see their descendants surpass them?
A complex expression flickered in Lin Wanan's eyes—pride mixed with the bittersweet recognition of growing old.
He lightly cleared his throat, breaking the peaceful silence of the study with a warm smile:
"Haoran, Haoning, seeing the two of you achieve such success makes me as a father feel immensely proud and content.
Our family is truly blessed to have you both."
Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning sat respectfully on either side of the sofa.
Lin Haoning took the initiative to brew tea, skillfully pouring fragrant cups for each of them.
Lin Haoran tapped the table three times with his fingers—a traditional gesture of thanks and respect.
The rich aroma of tea gently wafted through the study, filling every corner with a serene atmosphere.
"Daddy, whatever we achieve today, it all stems from the foundation you laid for us.
Just as they say—plant the tree first, then enjoy its shade.
You gave us a strong starting point," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Indeed, Lin Haoran's incredible success would have been impossible without his father's legacy.
When he had first arrived in this world, he had only a cement plant to his name, meager funds, and uncertain prospects.
If he hadn't been a scion of a wealthy family, he wouldn't have secured that crucial multi-million loan from Yu Min Finance.
Nor would he have gained the leverage needed to maneuver through the early battles for Kowloon Holdings shares.
It was Lin Wanan's status and resources that had given Lin Haoran the head start he needed.
Without that springboard, no amount of future knowledge would have saved him from years of struggle.
Thus, deep down, Lin Haoran remained sincerely grateful for his privileged beginning.
It had paved the way for his meteoric rise.
At the side, Lin Haoning also felt emotional.
Raising his cup, he saluted both his father and younger brother:
"Daddy, Haoran, I also owe my success to your support and encouragement.
I'll continue to work hard and live up to your expectations."
The three of them chatted for a while.
Mostly, Lin Wanan asked questions, and Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning answered accordingly.
Naturally, Lin Haoran didn't reveal too much that wasn't asked directly.
Seizing the opportunity, Lin Haoning asked curiously:
"Haoran, not long ago there were rumors that you were financially strained after acquiring Jardines Matheson.
But seeing you easily acquire Hong Kong Telephone Company now, you don't seem strapped for cash at all.
What's the real story?
Also, why have you suddenly started selling off so much real estate?"
Before Lin Haoran left for the United States, rumors had swirled around Hong Kong that he was in a financial crisis.
Even the Lin family believed it.
At that time, Lin Haoning had even called his brother, offering him one or two hundred million in cash if he needed it.
Considering Lin Haoning's total net worth was only about HK$300–400 million, it had been a sincere offer of help.
Although Lin Haoran had declined politely—because he wasn't actually short on cash—it had subtly shifted his view of his brother.
In a world driven by profit, sincere offers like that were rare.
It showed that after the family inheritance battles, Lin Haoning's attitude had genuinely changed.
"Big Brother, I did face some cash flow challenges for a while," Lin Haoran admitted with a light smile, "but my trip to America solved everything.
You probably read in the news—I had invested in a company called Apple.
In less than a year, they went public.
I sold some of my shares and made over HK$1 billion.
Plus, I made other profitable investments.
Now my liquidity is fully restored."
He deliberately skipped over the fact that the "financial crisis" rumors had been a strategic move he orchestrated himself.
Even toward his brother, Lin Haoran chose to keep that secret.
Let the myth live on.
After all, his gains in America were real enough.
"As long as your finances are stable, that's good," Lin Haoning said with visible relief.
Then, turning serious, he asked:
"By the way, even Man Cheung Group has started selling land and properties lately.
Clearly, that's under your instructions.
Should I continue holding my real estate investments—or should I start selling too?"
He asked directly.
After all, it was Lin Haoran who had encouraged him into real estate investing.
Over the past two years, the property market had soared, and he had profited handsomely.
But now, seeing Lin Haoran's companies pulling out of real estate, Lin Haoning couldn't help but worry that the market was about to turn.
He trusted Lin Haoran's judgment completely.
In the past two years, Lin Haoran's every major investment had been a resounding success.
Thus, Lin Haoning decided: whatever advice his brother gave, he would follow it without hesitation.
He knew that in the world of business, every major move was based on far-sighted reasoning invisible to ordinary people.
And if not for listening to Lin Haoran back then—pivoting from Middle Eastern markets to North America with his fan exports, then rolling the profits into Hong Kong real estate—he would still be worth only HK$100 million today, not HK$400 million.
This made him even more eager to hear what his brother had to say.
He was determined that Lin Haoran's next words would be his guiding star.
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