Chapter 439 Taking Over Hong Kong Telephone Company
Hearing Lin Haoning's question, Lin Haoran felt slightly surprised.
He hadn't expected his older brother to be so perceptive about the deeper meaning behind the movements of his companies.
In truth, even if Lin Haoning hadn't asked, Lin Haoran had already planned to find a suitable time to discuss the matter with him.
After all, no matter what, Lin Haoning was still his nominal elder brother and an indispensable member of the Lin family.
Out of consideration for his parents, he couldn't turn a blind eye to the family's affairs.
With Lin Haoran's remarkable achievements, the Lin family was already on its way to joining the ranks of the world's top financial clans.
But the family's prosperity couldn't rest on him alone.
If Lin Haoning could carve out his own successful career in the business world, it would undoubtedly add more strength and brilliance to the family's future.
Thus, deep in his heart, Lin Haoran genuinely hoped to see his brother succeed and was willing to offer support whenever appropriate.
Lin Wanan also looked toward Lin Haoran, clearly curious about his younger son's reasoning behind the large-scale asset sales.
"Big Brother, as you guessed, there are deeper reasons behind my decision to have Man Cheung Group, Jardines Matheson, and other subsidiaries sell off real estate assets," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"You both lived through the real estate bubble of 1973–1974, so you should know how the property market often shows explosive growth just before it bursts.
These past few years, Hong Kong's real estate sector has experienced a similar surge.
But now, amid the global oil crisis and widespread economic recession, I'm deeply concerned that what we see is a false prosperity right before a crash.
Add to that the political and economic uncertainties about Hong Kong's future—and the fact that even British conglomerates are trying to pull out—and the risks become even greater.
Thus, to minimize risk, I decided our companies should start selling some properties now.
If a crisis hits, we'll have enough cash and flexibility to weather it.
Selling off part of the assets is based purely on my assessment of future economic trends and my personal financial strategy.
As for your own investments, I suggest you make decisions based on your financial situation and risk tolerance.
After all, everyone's circumstances are different. That's just my advice—take it for what it's worth."
"Alright, I'll think about it carefully when I get home. Haoran, thank you for the advice," Lin Haoning said gratefully.
Internally, he already agreed with Lin Haoran's analysis—it made perfect sense.
"Hearing you say that, I'm even tempted to sell my own few houses and shops!" Lin Wanan joked from the side.
"Daddy, the properties are yours—you can do whatever you like with them.
No matter what, my brother and I will take good care of you," Lin Haoran said cheerfully.
The three chatted in the study until after 8 PM before leaving.
Lin Haoran then spent some time chatting casually with his mother in the living room before retiring to his room on the top floor.
The night was particularly clear. Standing on the spacious terrace, he could see the shimmering waves rolling in and out.
But it was December, and Hong Kong's winter night air, chilled further by a southern cold front, quickly forced him back inside to his warm bedroom.
After a quick wash-up, he went to bed early.
The night passed swiftly.
The next morning, after sharing lunch with his family at the Deep Water Bay villa, Lin Haoran left for Kang Lok Building.
The night before, Ma Shimin had called to inform him that he had met with Chairman David of Hong Kong Telephone Company.
The meeting had gone well, and it had been agreed that David would remain as Executive Director and General Manager.
Ma Shimin even asked if Lin Haoran wanted to take the Chairman position himself.
But Lin Haoran had no interest.
He was already the owner of Jardines Matheson Group—Hong Kong Telephone Company was just one of its many subsidiaries.
He didn't care about titles.
Thus, the Chairman role was handed to Ma Shimin.
Lin Haoran preferred to remain a behind-the-scenes boss.
At 8:30 AM, Lin Haoran's convoy pulled into the underground parking lot of Kang Lok Building.
Together with Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, he took the elevator up to Ma Shimin's office.
Inside, Ma Shimin was waiting with several Jardines Matheson executives.
Seeing Lin Haoran, Ma Shimin immediately stepped forward with a respectful smile.
"Good morning, Boss. The Hong Kong Telephone Company arrangements have been finalized as per your instructions.
David has pledged his full cooperation. We're heading over soon to oversee the financial and business departments' handover.
But overall, we don't plan to interfere much."
The other executives also greeted Lin Haoran respectfully.
Lin Haoran nodded to them and smiled.
"Good work, Mr. Ma. How was David's attitude? Any special requests?"
The call last night had only briefly touched on the topic, so now Lin Haoran wanted the full details.
Ma Shimin smiled and replied:
"David was very pragmatic.
Upon hearing about our plans to move into mobile communications, he became quite enthusiastic and promised full support.
He did raise a few suggestions for the company's future, mainly regarding R&D and market expansion.
He hopes we'll provide resources while not interfering too much in daily management."
Lin Haoran nodded with a smile.
"Good. That's understandable.
We have a saying in China—'Use a person without suspicion; suspect a person, don't use him.'
We trust professionals to do what they do best."
He continued:
"David has extensive experience in the telecom industry.
As long as his proposals are reasonable and beneficial for long-term development, we should fully support them.
As for management, just as you said, let's give them appropriate autonomy."
Hearing this, a flash of admiration appeared in Ma Shimin's eyes.
His young boss not only had extraordinary vision but also remarkable leadership wisdom.
He nodded and said:
"Absolutely, Boss.
I've arranged a meeting with David and Hong Kong Telephone Company's core team.
During today's handover, we'll finalize the detailed operational plans."
Lin Haoran nodded approvingly.
He appreciated Ma Shimin's efficient and meticulous work style.
After a few more minutes of discussion, Ma Shimin glanced at his watch.
"It's almost time.
The board meeting at Hong Kong Telephone Company is set for 9 AM. Shall we head over, Boss?"
"Let's go.
I should at least show up at my own company!" Lin Haoran laughed.
Hong Kong Telephone Company's headquarters wasn't far from Kang Lok Building—just a few minutes' drive in Central.
The group departed Kang Lok Building, accompanied by key members from the finance, legal, and other critical departments.
Taking over a nearly HK$3 billion enterprise was no small matter.
Though Jardines Matheson's power was many times greater than Hong Kong Telephone Company's, it was still a delicate operation.
Five minutes later, Lin Haoran's car pulled up to a modest-looking building in Central.
Despite its unassuming exterior, this was Hong Kong Telephone Company's headquarters.
As a firm with a 55-year history, it wielded considerable strength in Hong Kong—and this building was its private property.
Waiting at the lobby were the company's senior executives.
Leading them was a man around fifty years old—a foreigner.
Clearly, this was Chairman David.
"Mr. Lin, welcome!" David stepped forward at once, offering a handshake.
Lin Haoran shook his hand and exchanged a few polite words.
David wasn't without his reservations.
Previously, he had effectively ruled the company without interference.
Now, he suddenly had a parent company—a new boss.
Of course, as a professional manager, David knew he had little choice but to accept reality.
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