Chapter 442 This Is a True Top Tycoon of Hong Kong
Facing the reporter's sharp question, Lin Haoran's expression darkened slightly. His eyes locked sharply onto the reporter, clearly sensing the ulterior motives and hostility behind the inquiry.
Ordinarily, public figures tended to tread carefully with the media to avoid offending those who controlled public opinion.
However, Lin Haoran had no such concerns in Hong Kong.
The city's leading newspaper, Oriental Daily, was his.
TVB—the top-rated television network in Hong Kong—counted him as a key shareholder.
Combined with his overwhelming influence in the business world, Lin Haoran had no need to fear offending any single media outlet.
His voice remained calm, but it carried an undeniable authority:
"Reporter friend, your question is interesting. However, I suggest that before you ask, you first understand the facts rather than relying on rumors and baseless speculation."
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the room, then continued:
"First, regarding the so-called 'financial crisis,' let me state clearly—it's pure fabrication.
Jardines Matheson Group, as one of Hong Kong's and the world's most prominent companies, has always maintained excellent financial health.
As for the sale of some real estate properties, that was part of a normal asset optimization and strategic adjustment to focus on our core businesses and enhance our overall competitiveness.
If you're interested in our financial data, you're welcome to consult our publicly available financial reports. Everything is transparent and verifiable."
Lin Haoran's voice then grew sharper:
"As for your suggestion that we have lost confidence in Hong Kong's real estate sector, let me remind you:
Jardines Matheson has been deeply rooted in Hong Kong for decades.
We have full confidence in Hong Kong's future.
Anyone doubting our commitment either doesn't understand our strategy or has other hidden agendas."
He fixed his gaze directly on the reporter and asked coldly:
"Which media outlet are you from? Your line of questioning intrigues me."
Caught off guard, the reporter stammered awkwardly:
"I... I'm from Hong Kong Financial Weekly."
Lin Haoran nodded slightly, a trace of sarcasm in his tone:
"Hong Kong Financial Weekly? I remember your publication has always been known for professionalism and objectivity.
But today, your question disappoints me.
I hope you can uphold journalistic integrity, rather than asking baseless questions just for sensationalism."
As soon as he finished speaking, the room fell into dead silence.
The other reporters, stunned by Lin Haoran's forceful response, all bowed their heads to take notes, not daring to ask similarly provocative questions.
Lin Haoran's tough stance left a deep impression.
They now realized that this young business titan not only possessed a keen mind but also exuded an aura of absolute authority.
Offending someone like Lin Haoran could easily jeopardize a reporter's future career in Hong Kong.
Given Lin Haoran's economic power, taking down a media company wouldn't be difficult at all.
Even the British conglomerates now treaded cautiously around him.
Jardines Matheson Holdings' example was a vivid reminder.
Seeing that the atmosphere had quieted down, Lin Haoran continued:
"As for my personal situation—yes, I did face some financial pressure earlier, but it never reached the point of a crisis.
Selling some properties was simply a move to reduce liabilities.
I personally dislike carrying excessive debt.
During my recent trip to the United States, I made considerable profits, so my financial situation has greatly improved.
Accordingly, my companies have now ceased selling additional real estate projects."
He added, voice firm:
"As for Hong Kong's real estate market, let me be honest—I cannot predict the future.
I'm not a fortune teller.
However, consider this:
I invested a massive sum to acquire Jardines Matheson—the largest and oldest real estate company in Hong Kong.
If that isn't a vote of confidence in Hong Kong's future, I don't know what is."
At this point, Ma Shimin quickly stepped up to smooth things over:
"Thank you, Mr. Lin, for the detailed clarification.
Dear reporters, if you have further questions about Jardines Matheson's acquisition of Hong Kong Telephone Company, you're welcome to continue asking.
But please stay on topic and avoid deviating into unrelated areas."
Ma Shimin's seasoned, polished demeanor calmed the previously tense room.
He smiled gently, sweeping his gaze around the reporters, his composure displaying the ease of a true professional.
"Mr. Lin has already clearly addressed concerns about finances and strategy," Ma Shimin said.
"Jardines Matheson has always been known for its prudent management and forward-looking strategies.
This acquisition of Hong Kong Telephone Company marks another important milestone in our diversified development strategy.
Through resource integration and business innovation, we aim not only to foster our company's growth but also to provide higher-quality, more convenient communication services to Hong Kong citizens.
That is the original intention behind this acquisition."
Just as another reporter eagerly prepared to ask more questions, Lin Haoran decisively cut in:
"Today's press conference ends here.
All relevant information regarding Jardines Matheson's acquisition of Hong Kong Telephone Company has already been shared thoroughly by our executives.
There is no need to repeat or delve further into other details."
With that, Lin Haoran stood up and strode out of the temporary press conference venue without hesitation.
His decisive action made it clear:
This was a place open to reasonable, fact-based questions—but groundless speculation and provocation would go no further.
The reporters, though still brimming with unanswered questions, could only quietly pack up their microphones, cameras, and notebooks.
Some exchanged glances, clearly surprised by Lin Haoran's forceful demeanor.
Until today, he had always projected a low-key and courteous image.
Still, even if unexpected, they respected his decisiveness and commanding presence.
This—this was the true stature of a Hong Kong top-tier tycoon.
Though the press conference hadn't been long, the reporters had gathered plenty of valuable material.
Thus, after Lin Haoran's abrupt conclusion, they swiftly left Hong Kong Telephone Company's headquarters to rush back and file their explosive reports.
As the media cleared out, the lights in the hall dimmed.
Inside Hong Kong Telephone Company's former Chairman's office, Lin Haoran, Ma Shimin, and David sat together.
Meanwhile, the executives and key department heads from Jardines Matheson were busy interfacing with Hong Kong Telephone Company's various teams.
Even though Jardines Matheson didn't plan to interfere much with operations or change much personnel, as the new parent company, they needed a thorough understanding of the business.
Financial health, operational models, market positioning, future strategies—all of it needed to be deeply grasped.
Only with this foundation could Jardines Matheson achieve proper integration and synergy.
David, now Executive Director and General Manager, was meticulously briefing Lin Haoran and Ma Shimin.
Holding a detailed financial report, he explained each figure carefully—from revenue growth and cost controls to profit margins.
"Boss, Mr. Ma, here are our past five years' financial statements.
As you can see, despite market fluctuations, we've maintained steady financial performance.
Both monthly revenue and profit margins have shown consistent growth," David said.
"In terms of cost control, we've implemented many effective measures, significantly improving operational efficiency."
Lin Haoran glanced at the loyalty indicator for David: 82.
Not bad.
He understood that David's loyalty was to Hong Kong Telephone Company, not to him personally.
But that didn't matter.
As a professional manager, loyalty to the company and diligent management was essentially the same as loyalty to him.
What Lin Haoran feared most were executives who used their positions for personal gain.
David clearly wasn't one of them.
This explained how he had risen from engineer to Chairman of Hong Kong Telephone Company.
Thus, keeping David in charge posed no problem.
"Mr. David," Lin Haoran said with a smile, cutting into the briefing,
"regarding daily operations, please continue coordinating directly with Mr. Ma. I trust you'll handle everything appropriately."
He added:
"You should also be aware of our new agreement with Motorola.
Soon, we'll need you to organize a dedicated team to liaise with them.
They will arrive in Hong Kong in about ten days, and I expect the collaboration to proceed without a hitch.
If we succeed in making Hong Kong the world's first city to commercialize mobile communications, it will be a proud moment for us all.
Please treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and ensure that all preparations are flawless."
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