Chapter 211: The Purpose of the Richest Man in Nanyang
"Mr. Bao's visit to the Lin family, is it to discuss important matters with Nephew Lin?" Guo Henian asked curiously after sitting down.
Guo Henian naturally had a purpose for this trip, but he had not expected to meet Bao Yugang here.
Some topics were obviously not suitable to be discussed deeply in front of Bao Yugang, as it was a cooperation between him and Lin Haoran, not between him and Bao Yugang.
Bao Yugang naturally understood the implied meaning behind Guo Henian's words—it concerned both parties' business secrets.
Thus, he smiled and replied, "Actually, there's nothing particularly urgent. It's just that one of my servants saw Haoran's car while passing by the Lin residence, and since it's been a while since I've caught up with Haoran, I decided to drop by and chat a bit. I'll head home soon. Speaking of which, this is actually my first time stepping into the Lin residence."
"Uncle Bao, our two families are neighbors. You're welcome to visit anytime. The doors of the Lin family are always open to you," Lin Haoran said with a hearty laugh.
"I know, but in the past month, you hardly ever come back here!" Bao Yugang joked.
"Well, I have a few more companies under my management now. For convenience in handling matters in Central, I moved closer to there. But I still occasionally return here," Lin Haoran explained.
"I suppose Mr. Guo and Haoran have important matters to discuss? My being here might disturb you two, so I won't stay long.
But before I leave, I want to bring something up with Haoran. Recently, Guangdong Province will be sending inspection invitations to us well-known Hong Kong businessmen, and I have already heard the news in advance.
Haoran, when the arrangements are finalized, are you interested in going together? If so, we can travel together," Bao Yugang asked with a smile.
"Inspecting Guangdong Province? Of course I'm interested!" Lin Haoran immediately expressed great interest upon hearing this.
He was just looking for a chance to handle some matters in the mainland, and now the opportunity had come.
Moreover, an official reception was very different from a private visit.
With official reception, his work would undoubtedly proceed much more smoothly.
"Mr. Bao truly has well-informed sources. I've also intended to inspect the mainland market. I heard they are planning economic reforms; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you don't mind, I would also like to go with you," even Guo Henian, sitting on the side, spoke with keen interest.
Today's Guangdong Province was like a blank canvas waiting to be painted, full of infinite possibilities for the future.
Everyone present were business elites; naturally, they understood how to seize opportunities and lay out their plans early in the mainland.
"Of course, if there are no surprises, a group of top Chinese businessmen will be invited. I, Haoran, Mr. Guo Henian, and also Mr. Li Jiacheng, Mr. Zheng Yutong, Mr. Li Zhaoji, Mr. Guo Desheng, and Mr. Huo—all of us will probably be invited, and we'll go in groups.
The news I received is that we will conduct an in-depth inspection of Pengcheng and Yangcheng, and the invitations should be delivered within this week," Bao Yugang said with a smile.
Bao Yugang had always maintained close ties with the mainland and often visited his ancestral home in Zhejiang. With his identity as the world's shipping king, he naturally received great importance from the mainland, making his relations with them very harmonious.
Thus, it was reasonable that he would receive such news in advance.
The purpose of the inspection was undoubtedly to attract these Hong Kong tycoons to invest in Guangdong Province.
Now it was 1980, indeed a very appropriate time.
"Good, I'm counting on you to call me then. Honestly, I've long yearned to experience the customs and culture of the mainland," Guo Henian said with a laugh.
"Mr. Lin, Mr. Guo, Haoran, I'll take my leave now. If you have time, you're always welcome to visit my home!" Bao Yugang bid farewell to them one by one.
Coming to the Lin family was a spontaneous decision for Bao Yugang; there was really nothing important.
Since Mr. Guo and Lin Haoran had important matters to discuss, Bao Yugang would naturally not remain to eavesdrop on their business secrets.
"Uncle Bao, let me see you off," Lin Haoran got up to escort him.
At the door, Bao Yugang stopped and said, "Haoran, you can go back. It's only a short distance; I'll be there in two or three minutes."
Still worried, Lin Haoran instructed Li Weiguo to escort Bao Yugang back to the Bao family villa.
Bao Yugang had come alone, and now it was nighttime. Although the Deep Water Bay villa area was always safe, it was better to be cautious.
After all, Bao Yugang was leaving from the Lin house; if anything happened, the Lin family would not escape blame.
Watching Bao Yugang's figure disappear into the distance, Lin Haoran turned and went back inside.
In the study, Guo Henian was chatting with Lin Wanan. When he saw Lin Haoran return, he immediately focused his attention on him.
Lin Haoran sat down on the sofa opposite Guo Henian and asked curiously, "Uncle Guo, may I know the reason you are looking for me?"
As the saying goes, "No one visits the temple for no reason." Guo Henian surely had something important to discuss; otherwise, he wouldn't have come personally.
"Mr. Guo, I'll leave you to talk," Lin Wanan said as he stood up and voluntarily left the study.
Although there was no need to hide anything from his own son, considering that his two sons had now separated their businesses, he didn't want to interfere too much in sensitive business matters.
Thus, only Lin Haoran, Guo Henian, and Guo Xiaohan remained in the study.
"Nephew Lin, I wonder if you are interested in a piece of government land in Sheung Wan that is about to be auctioned? The starting price is set at 270 million Hong Kong dollars.
Given the current real estate market in Hong Kong, I estimate the final transaction price will reach at least 400 million Hong Kong dollars. Therefore, I hope to find a partner to jointly bid for and develop this land. Here is the official auction information," Guo Henian explained his purpose for the visit and handed Lin Haoran the government auction documents.
Guo Henian was financially powerful, capable of mobilizing most of the family's funds; in theory, he could fully participate in Hong Kong projects independently.
However, since entering the Hong Kong market in the early 1970s, Guo Henian had invested in multiple projects, but almost all were partnerships, rarely going solo.
Such an approach naturally had its reasons.
As a Nanyang businessman, Guo Henian knew how difficult it was for outsiders to integrate into Hong Kong's business world.
To firmly establish a foothold, it was essential to build good relationships with local businessmen.
Only in this way could the family's investments in Hong Kong proceed smoothly.
Partnering with local Hong Kong enterprises was the best way to achieve this goal.
Partnerships not only reduced risks but also deepened friendships—a win-win situation.
Lin Haoran's rapid rise in recent years had made a strong impression on Guo Henian.
Although they had cooperated before, the Shangri-La Hotel project was relatively small, with Wanan Group mainly acting as the contractor. After the project ended, their relationship cooled somewhat.
Thus, Guo Henian wanted to deepen his cooperation with Lin Haoran.
Coincidentally, the government announced an upcoming land auction, and Guo Henian set his eyes on a plot in Sheung Wan, sparking his plan to jointly bid with Lin Haoran.
"Land in Sheung Wan?" Lin Haoran asked with curiosity, taking the documents.
The land was adjacent to Hong Kong University, located northeast of it, not directly facing the sea but only a few hundred meters away.
The total area was 455,400 square feet, about 42,300 square meters—a sizable plot.
Considering its location in Sheung Wan, where every inch of land was precious, its value was self-evident.
Lin Haoran also noticed that the plot was only about 100 meters away from the soon-to-be-completed Western District Submarine Tunnel Sheung Wan exit.
Further east lay the famous Hollywood Road.
It was indeed an excellent piece of land.
Lin Haoran put down the documents without immediately responding and instead asked, "Uncle Guo, do you have any specific plans for this land?"
The Sheung Wan area was as prosperous as Wan Chai and close to Central.
In some respects, the easternmost parts of Sheung Wan were almost as valuable as Central.
Unlike Mong Kok or Yau Ma Tei, which were full of street life, Sheung Wan exuded a more elegant and unique atmosphere, earning it the nickname "In the Mood for Love."
The business environment there was just as vibrant and distinctive as Central.
"Nephew Lin, my plan is that if we win the bid, we will build a comprehensive high-rise commercial complex on the land, composed of several tall buildings. The lower floors will be for commercial use, and the upper floors will be hotels and office spaces for lease, similar to the Harbour City model.
Although the area cannot compare to Harbour City, in Sheung Wan, such a scale would already be very prominent. Once completed, it would become the largest shopping center in Sheung Wan," Guo Henian detailed his vision.
Hearing Guo Henian's plan, Lin Haoran was moved.
If it had been a residential project, he might not have been as interested.
But a rental-type property project that combined a shopping mall and office buildings immediately sparked his enthusiasm.
"How does Uncle Guo plan to cooperate?" Lin Haoran asked.
"I estimate that the land's auction price will be around 400 million Hong Kong dollars, and the subsequent project development will require 600 million or more.
Thus, the entire project will need at least a 1 billion Hong Kong dollar investment.
If you are interested, it depends on how much capital you can commit. I can offer up to 49% of the shares to you.
However, you need to note that the project will take at least five years to complete.
Therefore, the investment does not need to be paid all at once; the auction payment must be made first, and then the cooperation funds will be injected gradually according to the construction progress and funding needs," Guo Henian explained with a smile.
One billion Hong Kong dollars—this was no small figure.
However, once the project was completed, it would become a goldmine, bringing in massive profits every year—a highly worthwhile investment.
Lin Haoran also had a rough idea of Hong Kong's future development.
There was no need to worry about prospects—he just needed to invest boldly!
Moreover, it was only early 1980. Compared to mid-1981, real estate prices were at least half lower.
If he could secure this land now, it would undoubtedly be a bargain.
Guo Henian's offer of 49% implied he would still hold 51% to maintain project control.
"Uncle Guo, let me think about it carefully," Lin Haoran did not immediately agree.
"Of course, Nephew Lin, take your time," Guo Henian said with a smile.
He was not short of partners and could even develop the project alone if necessary.
Although 1 billion was a large sum, the Guo family's investments were diverse, and this money could serve many other purposes as well.
Since the development would take years and not require one-time funding, developing it alone wouldn't be too difficult.
But this time, he firmly chose to cooperate with Lin Haoran.
From successfully acquiring Green Island Cement to Hongkong Electric Group and then to the Hong Kong and China Gas Company, Lin Haoran had shown astonishing business talent. Every company he managed was revitalized.
Even more amazing, this business prodigy was still under thirty!
Thus, even the experienced Guo Henian couldn't help but genuinely admire Lin Haoran.
Thinking back to his own achievements in his twenties, although notable, they paled in comparison to Lin Haoran.
The gap between them felt like an insurmountable chasm, leaving Guo Henian full of admiration.
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