Chapter 108: Collaboration with the Richest Man of Southeast Asia
Causeway Bay and Barker Road Villa District are not far apart.
Barker Road Villa District is actually located behind Central, near the mid-levels of Victoria Peak Park.
Barker Road is a two-way, two-lane road where buses and minibuses are prohibited.
The residential houses along the way do not have front doors facing the road directly; instead, elevated driveways connect them.
At the entrance to the road, there are security guards and signs reading "Private Property, Guard Dogs Present," making it a highly private and exclusively residential upscale district.
Looking south up the mountain, one can see the Lion Pavilion on Victoria Peak; looking north, one can see the distant Victoria Harbour and both sides of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.
Compared to Deep Water Bay Villa District, Lin Haoran preferred the environment here.
Its privacy and security were both significantly better than Deep Water Bay.
Lin Haoran followed his father's car, sitting in the back seat together.
Li Weidong sat in the front passenger seat, while Li Weiguo had already driven the Mercedes-Benz back to the Deep Water Bay villa.
The Rolls-Royce slowly entered and finally stopped smoothly in front of a luxurious villa's dedicated parking space.
As the car door opened, Lin Haoran stepped out, his eyes involuntarily attracted by the grandeur of the villa.
Every detail, from the size of the property to its lavish decorations, spoke of extraordinary wealth — even compared to Bao Yugang's mansion, it was on par.
Before long, a middle-aged man in a tailored suit, smiling warmly, stepped forward to greet them.
There was sincerity and hospitality in his eyes, as if he had long anticipated their arrival.
"Mr. Lin, welcome to my humble home,"
the middle-aged man said, extending his right hand towards Lin Wanan in a gentle, elegant manner.
Lin Wanan smiled and quickly shook hands:
"Mr. Guo, it's truly my honor.
Allow me to introduce my son, Lin Haoran."
Hearing this, Lin Haoran already had some guesses.
Although he didn't immediately recognize the man, recalling that his father mentioned recently negotiating cooperation with the head of Kerry Group — Mr. Guo —
he realized this man was likely none other than Guo Henian, the famous Malaysian tycoon.
Lin Haoran bowed slightly, expressing his respect as a younger generation should.
This man was also a major Chinese business tycoon, on par with Bao Yugang.
"Hello, Uncle Guo! I'm Lin Haoran,"
Lin Haoran said, smiling and extending his hand for an introduction.
"Oh, Haoran! I've heard about you —
the young chairman of Qingzhou Cement Company.
Truly outstanding!
Such achievements at your age are remarkable, making the Chinese business community proud."
Mr. Guo said enthusiastically.
"Your father told me that you achieved all this through your own hard work and talent, almost without his involvement.
That's even more admirable.
When I was your age, I was just starting out."
"Uncle Guo, you're too kind.
In truth, I was just lucky," Lin Haoran replied modestly.
Standing aside, Lin Wanan looked at his son with pride,
a broad smile on his face.
"Alright, let's not just stand here talking.
It's getting late — let's head inside,"
Mr. Guo laughed as he invited them into the villa.
"I've prepared dinner for us.
We'll eat first and then talk about business afterward,"
Guo Henian said warmly.
"It's an honor to enjoy a home-cooked meal at Mr. Guo's residence.
I'm sure it will be a memorable feast,"
Lin Wanan responded heartily.
Inside the spacious and bright hall of the villa, Lin Haoran immediately sensed the tranquility of the atmosphere.
A gentle middle-aged woman and a young lady with outstanding elegance were waiting.
The young woman, about the same age as Lin Haoran, had a natural aristocratic aura.
Her beauty was no less stunning than that of Hong Kong's movie stars, immediately leaving a good impression on Lin Haoran.
"Haoran, let me introduce you,"
Mr. Guo said enthusiastically.
"This is my wife, Mrs. He;
and this is my niece, Guo Xiaohan.
She recently returned from studying abroad and is now learning business management with me."
Lin Haoran nodded secretly to himself — no wonder the young lady seemed so different; she was the precious niece of the Guo family.
"Miss Guo, it's an honor to meet you.
You truly live up to your reputation,"
Lin Haoran said with a polite smile.
"Mr. Lin, the pleasure is mine,"
Guo Xiaohan replied with a sweet voice and a warm smile.
Lin Haoran recalled some fragmented information:
Mrs. He should be Mr. Guo's second wife.
In his past life, he had read news about the new chairwoman of Shangri-La Hotels —
who was precisely a daughter from Mr. Guo's second marriage.
"Thank you for your warm hospitality, Mr. Guo, Mrs. He, Miss Guo,"
Lin Wanan also expressed his gratitude.
The Guo family was large and closely knit.
In the early days, they co-founded Guo Brothers Limited, which became the foundation of their massive wealth.
Within the family, the brothers all held important positions,
and even a niece like Guo Xiaohan was considered important enough to learn directly from Guo Henian.
During dinner, the atmosphere became much closer.
Through casual conversation, Lin Haoran confirmed that the middle-aged man was indeed the famous Malaysian tycoon,
and he admired Guo Henian even more for his far-sighted vision and optimism about Hong Kong.
Unlike many British tycoons fleeing Hong Kong,
Guo Henian was investing heavily here.
Back in the early 70s, he had already established Kerry Trading Company in Hong Kong to engage in futures trading.
Later, he successfully bid for reclaimed land in Tsim Sha Tsui East,
very close to Qingzhou Cement Company.
After dinner, Guo Henian led Lin Wanan and Lin Haoran to a meeting room, where Guo Xiaohan also came along to serve tea.
"Mr. Guo, regarding the Shangri-La Hotel project — have you decided on the construction contractor?"
Lin Wanan asked politely after sipping some tea.
This was a topic Lin Haoran already knew about.
Wanan Group had a well-known construction company — Wanan Construction —
and had hoped to win the Shangri-La Hotel construction contract.
Guo Henian had been noncommittal before, neither refusing nor agreeing.
But now, after meeting Lin Haoran and seeing his abilities,
the situation might change...
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