Chapter 210 Two Tycoons Pay a Visit
For now, the trouble in the Philippines could only be handled with a cold approach.
After all, building an armed force wasn't something that could be accomplished overnight.
He had no foundation in the Philippines, only a few fledgling investments—how could he possibly contend with the local powers?
Moreover, the Visayas market, and even the Mindanao market further south, wasn't particularly large—it wasn't indispensable.
The real economic center was Luzon, the Philippines' largest island.
As long as Cheung Chau Cement secured a strong foothold in Luzon, their expansion into the Philippines would be considered highly successful.
The Southeast Asian market was vast.
Cheung Chau Cement still had many opportunities in places like Malaysia and Singapore, where they had already begun entering.
Thus, for now, it made sense to pivot elsewhere.
Later, if he built sufficient strength, he could always return to conquer the Visayas.
In any case, Lin Haoran had gained invaluable experience from this episode.
First, he decided that Burton and other executives must strengthen risk assessments for overseas operations.
When expanding into new markets, they couldn't focus solely on profits—they had to carefully evaluate local social conditions and security risks.
In unstable regions, they would need to proactively build strong ties with local governments and law enforcement.
Second, Lin Haoran resolved to accelerate the creation of his own security company.
He planned to send people—or go himself—to Mainland China to negotiate the recruitment of retired soldiers.
Simultaneously, he would begin drafting a full development plan for the security company, including defining service scopes, standards, and management structures.
He envisioned building a professional, efficient, and reliable security force to safeguard his empire.
Additionally, Lin Haoran considered collaborating with other Hong Kong businesses with overseas operations.
Many Hong Kong tycoons—like Bao Yugang, Li Jiacheng, and Li Mingze—also had investments in the Philippines.
By joining forces, pooling resources, and supporting one another, they could better defend against criminal threats.
After a long discussion with Burton, Lin Haoran also met with CFO Huo Jianning.
Huo was close to completing the training of his successor at Cheung Chau Cement.
Soon, he would transition to Hong Kong Electric Group for greater opportunities.
Despite Cheung Chau Cement's rapid growth, it still lagged far behind Hong Kong Electric.
And Hong Kong Electric itself was expanding fast, diversifying across industries, evolving into a comprehensive listed giant.
"Boss, should we head to Amigo Industries or Hong Kong Electric next?" Li Weiguo asked as he drove.
Normally, whenever Lin Haoran visited Cheung Chau Cement, he would also check in on Amigo.
"Let's grab lunch at Joy Lai Restaurant first, then head to Hong Kong Electric," Lin Haoran replied after checking the time.
It was already past noon, and he hadn't eaten yet.
As for Amigo Industries, there was no pressing business there.
With Liu Luanxiong running things, Lin Haoran didn't have to worry.
If any major issue arose, Liu would call immediately—he wasn't shy about asking for help.
After lunch, they drove to Hong Kong Electric Group.
He spent the afternoon there before heading out again.
This time, instead of returning to his own Sassoon Road villa, he headed to his parents' house at Deep Water Bay.
That afternoon, his father had called, telling him that Guo Henian would be visiting and staying for dinner.
It was obvious: Guo Henian's visit was intended for Lin Haoran, not his father.
Naturally, Lin Haoran couldn't refuse.
After all, Guo Henian was a senior figure in the business world—and Lin needed stronger ties with Southeast Asia's big players to prevent future incidents like the one in the Philippines.
Just two days ago, Lin Haoran had visited for the Lantern Festival.
Thus, while his mother was happy to see him, it wasn't with the tearful joy of a long-awaited reunion.
"Dad, what does Mr. Guo want?" Lin Haoran asked curiously in the study.
"He didn't say specifically," Lin Wan'an replied. "But with your growing status, I imagine he wants to strengthen ties."
Lin Haoran nodded.
He chatted with his father for a while, updating him on recent developments—but wisely omitted the trouble in the Philippines, not wanting to worry him.
Soon, at 6 PM sharp, Guo Henian arrived.
As expected, he was accompanied by his niece, Guo Xiaohan.
Unexpectedly, Guo Xiaohan seemed especially radiant tonight, clearly having put effort into her appearance.
After Mr. Lin greeted Guo Henian, Lin Haoran followed politely.
"Good evening, Uncle Guo, Miss Guo," he said with a warm smile.
"Lin, you never cease to amaze," Guo Henian exclaimed. "When we met last year, you had just acquired Cheung Chau Cement.
Now, in such a short time, you've added Hong Kong Electric and China Gas Company to your empire.
Even I must admit—I'm impressed."
Guo Henian, himself managing a multibillion-dollar empire, found it incredible.
Even against the likes of Jardines Matheson, Lin Haoran had emerged victorious.
"It was just good luck, Uncle Guo. Please, come in. Dinner is ready," Lin Haoran replied modestly.
Throughout the exchange, Guo Xiaohan's eyes never left Lin Haoran, filled with admiration.
She had been impressed from their first meeting—and as Lin Haoran's achievements multiplied, so did her esteem for him.
Tonight, knowing she would see him again, she had carefully prepared.
At that moment, the doorbell rang again.
"Dad, you escort Uncle Guo and Miss Guo inside. I'll check who it is," Lin Haoran volunteered.
Lin Wan'an nodded and led the guests into the living room.
Meanwhile, a servant opened the door.
"Uncle Bao!" Lin Haoran exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Bao Yugang.
"Haoran, I hope I'm not intruding," Bao Yugang said warmly.
"Of course not, Uncle Bao!
We were just about to have dinner. Please join us.
Mr. Guo is here too," Lin Haoran said, making a welcoming gesture.
Earlier during the New Year period, Lin Haoran had visited Bao Yugang.
Since then, they hadn't seen each other.
Clearly, this visit was spontaneous—and welcome.
Though he didn't know Bao's purpose, Lin Haoran naturally showed proper hospitality.
"I'll take you up on that," Bao Yugang replied cheerfully.
They entered the villa together.
"Mr. Bao, please, have a seat," Lin Wan'an said, standing up to greet him enthusiastically.
He hadn't expected Hong Kong's richest man to personally visit their home.
Although the two families lived nearby, Bao had never crossed their threshold before.
After all, there was a vast gap between their statuses.
Over the past year, Lin Haoran's reputation had skyrocketed.
Still, he was rarely home, and until now, Bao Yugang had had no reason to visit.
"Mr. Guo, I didn't expect to see you here!" Bao said after exchanging a few words with Lin Wan'an.
"Mr. Bao, it's been too long.
I've been meaning to visit you, but fate arranged for us to meet here today!" Guo Henian responded warmly.
Although Guo was a Southeast Asian tycoon, he had lived in Hong Kong for years and integrated well into local society.
Despite some local resentment toward Southeast Asian Chinese businessmen, Guo Henian had managed to build strong relationships and fit into Hong Kong's elite circles.
He was, after all, recognized as Malaysia's wealthiest man, and few Hong Kong magnates could afford to ignore him.
"Today truly is an honor," Lin Wan'an beamed. "Two tycoons under one roof!"
Bao Yugang, Hong Kong's richest Chinese businessman.
Guo Henian, Malaysia's richest Chinese businessman.
Even a year ago, such a gathering would have been unimaginable for the Lin family.
Though they had once been minor nobility, they had never been part of the truly elite circles.
Dinner was a lively affair filled with polite conversation and laughter.
While Lin Haoran didn't particularly enjoy social dinners, tonight was unavoidable.
You couldn't dodge hospitality—especially when it came knocking at your own front door.
After dinner, Lin Haoran, Lin Wan'an, Bao Yugang, Guo Henian, and Guo Xiaohan all moved to the sitting room.
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