Chapter 109 - Innocent Feelings
Therefore, in order to efficiently and economically advance the construction of the Shangri-La Hotel building, partnering with a strong local construction company became Guo Henian's first-choice strategy. Wan'an Construction Engineering Company, with its professional construction team and extensive project experience, became one of Mr. Guo Henian's intended partners.
However, although Lin Wanan had previously actively sought cooperation, which had drawn Guo Henian's attention to Wan'an Construction Engineering Company, he had originally been more inclined to choose a much larger engineering firm as his partner. In Guo Henian's considerations, Wan'an Construction Engineering Company was more of a backup option, or rather, a "spare tire" to be considered only if his preferred partnership failed.
But a major event that followed completely changed Guo Henian's view. Lin Wanan's youngest son, Lin Haoran, with his extraordinary business talent, suddenly succeeded in completing the first-ever acquisition by a Chinese businessman of a British-listed company in Hong Kong's history!
This news shocked the entire Hong Kong business community and made Guo Henian look at Wan'an Construction Engineering Company and the Lin family behind it with new respect. It was based on this transformation that Guo Henian specially invited the Lin father and son to tonight's family banquet. Behind this invitation was not only recognition of Lin Haoran's personal achievements but also a reevaluation and expectation of Wan'an Construction Engineering Company's strength and potential.
Tonight's family banquet would undoubtedly become an important opportunity for both parties to deepen cooperation and seek joint development.
"Mr. Lin, there's no need to rush. Since we rarely have such an opportunity to gather, why not take this chance to communicate more?" Guo Henian smiled and suggested.
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanan understood perfectly and naturally set aside the previous topic. Since the other party had proactively invited them over, it meant that the cooperation was very likely to succeed.
Regarding the Shangri-La Hotel building project, even if Wan'an Construction Engineering Company successfully secured the contract as the builder, the direct profit would only be a few tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars and would require at least three years to complete. At first glance, the cooperation seemed rather average.
However, Lin Wanan's vision went far beyond that.
What he truly valued was the long-term cooperative bridge behind this project with the Nanyang-based Guo family. Lin Wanan knew very well that the success of an initial collaboration often opened the door to many future opportunities.
The Guo family, a household with deep roots and strong strength in the Nanyang business world, was now actively expanding its influence in Hong Kong. For the Lin family and Wan'an Group, this was undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If they could take this chance to form a close partnership with the Guo family, it would not only bring immediate project profits to Wan'an Group but also pave a fast lane for the group's future development, helping it to accelerate its growth and reach new heights.
The Nanyang market was much larger than the small Hong Kong. If Wan'an Group could expand its business into Nanyang with the Guo family as a partner, it would undoubtedly make their development across Nanyang countries much smoother.
Therefore, Lin Wanan was going all out to seek cooperation with the Guo family. His original intention was to find a solid and powerful partner for Wan'an Group. With such backing, in the future, when Lin Haoran took over the enterprise, he would find the path much easier and the management much smoother.
Lin Wanan's strategic plan was indeed painstakingly crafted!
Immediately after, the conversation between Guo Henian and Lin Wanan naturally shifted to the commercial field, focusing especially on the current situation and future trends of Hong Kong's business landscape.
The two of them spoke freely, discussing deeply every aspect of the business world both in Hong Kong and Nanyang.
Meanwhile, Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan, the younger generation present, maintained a humble attitude, rarely interrupting the elders' conversation. They simply sat quietly on the side, concentrating on listening to every word and sentence.
They naturally knew that the two before them were seasoned veterans in the business world, and their insights and experiences were invaluable treasures not to be missed.
As the conversation went on, the topic naturally shifted to the most eye-catching international situation at the time — the oil crisis.
Suddenly, Guo Henian turned to Lin Haoran and said, "Haoran, although you are from the younger generation, you are already the chairman of Qingzhou Cement Company. Being able to take over this business from the British is proof of your capability. What unique insights do you have regarding this oil crisis?"
Lin Haoran was slightly surprised upon hearing this. He had originally intended to participate in this gathering as a junior, planning to listen more and speak less, and did not expect to be directly asked about it.
However, he quickly adjusted his mindset and responded sincerely, "Uncle Guo, you flatter me too much. I have indeed been paying attention to the oil crisis and have made some reflections, but compared to your deep experience and unique insights, my views may still seem immature."
"Since Uncle Guo asks, I'll boldly share a few shallow thoughts. Currently, this oil crisis is still in its early stages, and its global impact remains controllable. However, the continuous interruption of crude oil exports by Iran will undoubtedly intensify the global crude oil supply shortage, thereby pushing oil prices to continue rising."
"The soaring oil prices will certainly have profound and serious effects on the global economy. The first world oil crisis has already sounded the alarm for us. If the crisis persists for a long time, oil-importing countries will face serious balance-of-payments deficits, economic recessions, rising unemployment, deteriorating trade conditions, and could even trigger an international debt crisis."
"Both developed Western countries and oil-deficient developing countries will inevitably suffer major blows, paying a heavy price for the oil crisis."
"The impacts are enormous. International energy and raw material prices will soar, while prices of agricultural products and industrial goods will fall, leading to increased production costs, relative capital shortages, price hikes, serious inflation, and greatly increased unemployment rates in various countries. It will have a negative impact on all economies, especially those highly dependent on oil consumption and imports, hitting them hard and exacerbating the global economic depression."
"As businessmen, we must also prepare for the crises that the oil crisis might bring to us. Since the crisis has just begun, we still have time to prepare. Sometimes a crisis is also an opportunity. I believe Uncle Guo must have already made his preparations."
"Excellent. Haoran, you truly deserve to be called a young talent who seized Qingzhou Cement from the British! Your insights indeed go beyond what many of your peers could think of," Guo Henian said while clapping and laughing.
Although what Lin Haoran spoke of might seem a bit superficial in the eyes of business tycoons, not touching the deepest cores, his words revealed a keen sense of observation and clear articulation, which was a testament to his personal capabilities.
Originally, Guo Xiaohan was quietly listening to their conversation and occasionally helping serve tea.
But when Lin Haoran spoke eloquently, her gaze inadvertently and quietly fell on Lin Haoran's face, filled with focus and admiration, as if time had frozen, lingering for a long time without moving away.
It wasn't until she realized her loss of composure that she hurriedly withdrew her gaze, lowered her head, and tried to hide her flushed cheeks behind strands of hair.
A few wisps of hair gently clung to her cheek, highlighting the delicacy and fair tone of her skin even more.
Naturally, Guo Xiaohan admired the profound insights of the elders, but she felt that was expected.
However, seeing a peer like Lin Haoran display such talent and wisdom deeply shocked and attracted her.
At this age when she had just stepped into society and was full of curiosity and longing for everything, Lin Haoran undoubtedly left a deep impression on her.
At this moment, Lin Haoran was absorbed in his own thoughts and did not notice Guo Xiaohan's subtle emotional changes.
However, sitting beside Guo Xiaohan, Guo Henian keenly caught his niece's small movement, and a knowing smile involuntarily curled at the corner of his mouth.
As someone who had been through it all, he naturally understood his niece's budding feelings.
In Nanyang, among the wealthy families, marriages were often not just personal matters but more about alliances and exchanges of interests between families.
But Guo Henian also clearly knew that Lin Haoran, the young talent from the Lin family, was not only full of talent but also showed extraordinary potential and foresight.
In fact, during the recent acquisition of Qingzhou Cement Company, Guo Henian had also heard some insider details.
Lin Haoran managed to orchestrate everything on his own without relying on his father's influence, ultimately taking over a listed company.
From this event, Guo Henian was even more convinced of Lin Haoran's extraordinary ability.
Lin Haoran's performance during the acquisition, along with his recent words and demeanor, all revealed a maturity and wisdom far beyond his years. Such a young talent was truly rare.
Guo Henian naturally understood that the Guo family's continued growth and expansion owed much to its wide and deep network of contacts.
Therefore, he silently planned in his heart that perhaps in the near future, when he returned to Nanyang, he could have an in-depth discussion with his elder brother about the possibility of a marriage alliance between the two families.
As they continued talking, time unknowingly slipped past nine o'clock at night.
Guo Henian glanced lightly at the watch on his wrist, then laughed heartily and said, "Mr. Lin, Haoran, tonight's conversation has been extremely enjoyable. It has filled me with confidence about our future cooperation."
"Therefore, I officially decide to entrust the important Shangri-La Hotel building project to Wan'an Construction Engineering Company. I look forward to a brilliant collaboration together, may we have a successful partnership!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Wanan's face bloomed with a satisfied smile — this was exactly one of the main purposes of his visit.
In addition, he had hoped to use this opportunity to let the heir of the family, Lin Haoran, get to know the giant figure in the business world, Guo Henian. Now it seemed that both goals had been perfectly achieved.
"Good. Then we won't disturb Mr. Guo any longer. It is truly an honor for us to cooperate with the Guo brothers' group. Please rest assured, Wan'an Construction Engineering Company possesses a top-notch construction team and rich project experience. We will do our utmost to ensure the project's complete success and will absolutely not let Mr. Guo down!"
Lin Wanan stood up, shook hands sincerely with Guo Henian, and his words were full of confidence.
In his heart, he thought that with this pleasant beginning to their cooperation, he firmly believed that there would be many more opportunities to work together in the future.
"Alright, Mr. Lin. Tomorrow morning, I will personally bring people to your company to sign the cooperation agreement with you. I have long heard of Wan'an Group's reputation and professionalism. I am confident that this cooperation will satisfy everyone," Guo Henian nodded and agreed, his tone full of trust.
"Goodbye, Mr. Guo, Miss Guo," Lin Haoran said politely, shaking hands with them one by one.
When his fingertips lightly touched Guo Xiaohan's delicate little hand, a subtle feeling flashed through his heart, but he quickly recovered and completed the farewell naturally and politely.
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