Chapter 241 This Is Just Ordinary Business Competition
"Governor, I came here today because there's something I would like to ask you about." Lin Haoran, unaware of the complicated thoughts going through Murray MacLehose's mind at that moment, decided to directly state his purpose for this visit.
After all, he was still too young; continuing to chat with an old fox like MacLehose would only lead to more pleasantries, and if he wasn't careful, he might even be tricked.
"Oh? Please go ahead, Mr. Lin," MacLehose snapped out of his thoughts and asked curiously.
Lin Haoran handed him a copy of the Hong Kong Times he had brought with him and then explained in full detail the situation regarding the incident involving Fortress Electrical Company.
Afterward, he said, "As an entrepreneur, I cannot accept my company being maliciously slandered. We even have the police's product quality bulletin in hand, showing that the incident had nothing to do with our products. Yet our opponents have twisted the truth, causing us heavy losses.
To put it seriously, such a simple matter could potentially cause my Fortress Electrical Company to go bankrupt. I only seek a fair business environment where companies cannot be framed at will. We sought help from the police, but ultimately received none. Helpless, I had no choice but to come to you, Governor, and ask for justice for my company!"
MacLehose was fluent in Chinese—not only in Cantonese but even in Minnan dialect. Back in the 1940s, he had served as a diplomatic officer in the consulate in Minnan, making him very familiar with Chinese culture. Naturally, a Chinese newspaper posed no difficulty for him.
"Mr. Lin, please wait a moment while I look into the matter," MacLehose said, placing the newspaper aside and walking over to his desk to make a phone call.
Lin Haoran waited patiently.
In fact, if Jardines was truly involved in this matter, MacLehose's reaction would reveal everything.
After all, if the police refused to handle the issue, it was definitely because they had been influenced by the forces behind it.
Since MacLehose was making a call, the person responsible for the incident on the other side would certainly not dare to hide the truth.
Having served nearly a decade as Governor of Hong Kong, MacLehose had very high prestige in Hong Kong.
Lin Haoran didn't eavesdrop on the phone conversation; he simply sat quietly on the sofa, waiting.
It wasn't until five or six minutes later that MacLehose finally put down the phone and returned to the sofa.
"Mr. Lin, I have looked into the matter. Indeed, your company was slandered. However, this appears to be nothing more than ordinary business competition, and it would be inappropriate for us to intervene," MacLehose said with a troubled expression.
His words made it clear that he was siding with Lin Haoran's competitor.
Seeing this, Lin Haoran immediately understood that Chen Shoulin's guess had been spot on: it was Jardines behind it.
In Hong Kong, only a few British enterprises like Jardines and Jardine Matheson Bank could command enough respect that even the Governor's office would bend the rules.
He had never offended Jardine Matheson Bank.
But Jardines, he had definitely offended—publicly humiliating them.
Combined with Chen Shoulin's analysis, it was almost certain that Jardines was responsible.
MacLehose was considered a good governor who had done a lot for Hong Kong during his tenure.
For instance, under his leadership, Hong Kong had transitioned from a light industry-dominated economy to one focused on electronics, finance, and commerce, becoming one of the "Four Asian Tigers" and laying a solid foundation for its prosperity and status as an international financial center.
One of his most notable achievements was establishing the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Before its establishment, corruption was rampant in Hong Kong:
Firefighters demanded bribes before turning on the water hoses;
Paramedics required "tea money" before transporting patients to the hospital;
At the hospital, patients had to tip the workers to receive proper care;
Even applying for a place in public schools required bribery;
Perhaps the worst were the Royal Hong Kong Police, who abused their power for personal gain and protected criminals.
Such was life in Hong Kong during those times—ordinary citizens suffered tremendously.
However, after MacLehose became Governor, this began to change.
Under his leadership, the ICAC was founded, leading a storm of anti-corruption efforts.
From then on, Hong Kong transformed from one of the most corrupt places to one of the cleanest regions globally.
Even into the 21st century, Hong Kong remains one of the least corrupt places in the world.
Yet no matter what, MacLehose was still, first and foremost, a British official!
In any case, Jardines' identity and status far outweighed Lin Haoran's.
Having received this indirect confirmation, Lin Haoran wasn't disappointed.
It was just as he had expected; he hadn't planned to rely on the Governor's office to solve the problem anyway.
"Governor, I believe I already have a good guess about the situation. The government may choose not to help us resolve this matter, and that's fine. Since this is merely ordinary business competition, I hope the Hong Kong government will not interfere between us and our competitors. How about that?" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Agreed. On behalf of the Governor's office, I can promise that we will not intervene in your competition with the other party—as long as no criminal acts occur," MacLehose readily agreed.
Frankly, it was a headache for MacLehose too; he didn't want to get involved.
As a government official, he was supposed to uphold the rules, but Jardines breaking the rules was not something he could easily oppose.
Moreover, he was somewhat cautious of the potential forces backing Lin Haoran. If Lin Haoran indeed had strong ties to Huaxian Bank, even as Governor, he would have to give him some respect.
Thus, it was clear: if he could avoid involvement, he would.
Fairness?
There is no absolute fairness in this world!
"With your assurance, Governor, I am already very satisfied," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Now he could respond to Jardines' commercial competition without restraint, without worrying about any government tricks.
After all, MacLehose had made a promise face-to-face, and given his character, he would never go back on his word.
Lin Haoran had full confidence in that.
If under these circumstances MacLehose still interfered, Lin Haoran would have no more illusions.
With his current wealth, carrying billions in assets, he could move anywhere and still be a business magnate.
If necessary, he could liquidate his Hong Kong assets and relocate to Singapore.
But unless absolutely necessary, Lin Haoran didn't want to leave Hong Kong. After all, this was just a relatively minor incident.
"Mr. Lin, we are planning to organize a Hong Kong business delegation to visit the UK in August. We will be inviting Mr. Noel Croucher, Mr. Stanley Fung, Mr. Bao Yugang, Mr. John Swire, and yourself among other notable businessmen. I hope you will join us," MacLehose continued.
This so-called visit was merely an effort to encourage Hong Kong businessmen to invest in the UK. Everyone knew Hong Kong's conglomerates were awash in wealth, something Lin Haoran could understand.
Such an invitation could not be refused.
After all, Hong Kong was still under their governance. Refusing might result in future troubles.
"I am honored to receive the invitation. I will definitely participate!" Lin Haoran agreed readily.
Europe was an important market he didn't intend to miss.
In fact, even without the invitation, Lin Haoran had long planned to expand his business to Europe.
Not only Europe—he aimed to explore the markets of America, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
He would never be content to limit himself to Hong Kong and the mainland markets.
For instance, his investment in Apple Inc., becoming a shareholder, was part of his overseas market strategy.
Moreover, Wanqing Group was actively investing in Southeast Asia.
And Amega Corporation focused specifically on the US and European markets.
Thus, Lin Haoran was never someone who stayed confined to Hong Kong.
The only reason he was still based there was because he had crossed into this world not long ago and needed time to adapt to the era—and his identity as a business tycoon.
Sudden wealth needed time to settle.
More importantly, he needed to solidify his business foundation in Hong Kong before expanding globally.
So overseas expansion could proceed gradually. He wasn't aiming to become a global giant overnight.
Hearing Lin Haoran's words, MacLehose was very pleased.
This British governor, who had been in office since 1971, was now over sixty years old.
There was wisdom in his gaze.
However, Lin Haoran also knew that MacLehose had only about two years left in his term.
"I have good news for you, Mr. Lin. I have submitted your information for nomination to receive a CBE, the Commander of the Order of the British Empire. If all goes well, you will be awarded the medal within the year," MacLehose said.
"Thank you very much, Governor. I am truly honored!" Lin Haoran appeared excited.
But in his heart, he felt little surprise.
He knew very well that the CBE was merely the lowest rank among British knight honors, and also the most common.
Still, MacLehose's nomination clearly acknowledged his achievements over this period.
In any case, it was a good thing.
Many Hong Kong tycoons, like Run Run Shaw, Bao Yugang, and Li Mingze, had received the Order of the British Empire. It was Britain's way of drawing wealthy individuals closer.
Lin Haoran wouldn't refuse; there was no reason to.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, he would remain a Hong Konger.
Receiving a medal meant little.
Lin Haoran and MacLehose chatted for another ten minutes.
"Governor, I've disturbed you enough today. I'll take my leave so as not to waste your time," Lin Haoran said, checking his watch and standing up.
"Mr. Lin, please don't say that. You are always welcome here. If you need anything, feel free to call me. If it's within my power, I'll do my best to help!" MacLehose stood up as well, courteously.
"With your kind words, Governor, I am already deeply honored!" Lin Haoran smiled, shook hands, and bid farewell.
Exiting the Governor's residence, Lin Haoran looked up at the clear blue sky, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his heart.
As long as the government didn't interfere, he wasn't afraid of Jardines.
So what if they were an old British powerhouse? Jardines was no longer the invincible force it had once been.
Having lost control of Wharf Holdings, Jardines was like a sick tiger now—one that Lin Haoran no longer feared.
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