Chapter 248 Mr. Lin, What a Brilliant Move!
Around seven in the morning, Lin Haoran woke up naturally thanks to his internal body clock.
After speaking with Cui Zilong the previous night, he hadn't received any further calls.
However, Lin Haoran knew that the team in the Philippines must have been in action overnight.
After getting up, he did some exercise in the villa's gym, had breakfast, and read the newspapers.
As expected, today's headlines were very lively.
Especially the news broadcast by Rediffusion Television last night, which reignited the entire scandal.
Lin Haoran flipped through more than a dozen mainstream newspapers in Hong Kong. Almost all were influenced by the Rediffusion news.
Some openly criticized Fortress Electrical for allegedly bribing the police and forging reports.
Others supported Fortress Electrical.
The whole situation had become chaotic and confusing.
Jardines' video had dragged Fortress Electrical back into the storm of public opinion just as it was about to escape.
If not handled properly, the Fortress brand could be completely destroyed.
After nine in the morning, Lin Haoran left the villa and headed straight for Hongkong Electric's headquarters.
Upon arrival, he learned that Chen Shoulin wasn't in his office—he was attending a meeting.
Lin Haoran wasn't in a hurry. Instead, he called the Oriental Publishing Company's general manager's office.
"Boss, I was just about to report to you," said Cui Zilong as he picked up the phone.
"Is it good news or bad news?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Good news, of course," Cui Zilong replied with a laugh.
"Alright then. I'm at Hongkong Electric's headquarters. Come over once you've organized your materials," Lin Haoran said.
Since Fortress Electrical was a subsidiary of Hongkong Electric, it made sense to bring Cui Zilong there to discuss it.
"Understood, Boss. I'll bring everything and come right over."
After hanging up, Lin Haoran waited for another ten minutes before Chen Shoulin finally returned.
"Good morning, Boss," Chen Shoulin greeted, looking visibly exhausted—last night's events clearly had taken a toll.
"How's Fortress Electrical doing?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Several store employees reported that quite a few citizens came to demand full refunds, saying they no longer dared use our products.
We're counting on Mr. Cui's evidence," Chen Shoulin said bitterly.
Having the police's report overturned had left them powerless to defend themselves.
"Don't worry. Mr. Cui just told me he has good news," Lin Haoran said, smiling.
Another ten minutes later, Cui Zilong finally arrived at Hongkong Electric.
"Boss, Mr. Chen, sorry for keeping you waiting," Cui Zilong said, a little breathless.
"Tell us about the situation in the Philippines," Lin Haoran said directly.
That was what they most wanted to know.
Chen Shoulin immediately focused on him.
"Last night, after Tong Kit and his family arrived in Manila, our people—posing as representatives of Jardines—picked them up at the airport.
After some persuasion, we obtained very favorable evidence.
Tong Kit was carrying a one-million-Hong Kong dollar check from Jardine Matheson Bank, stamped with Jardines Matheson's finance seal.
Their plan was to cash it at Jardines Matheson Bank's Manila branch, but they didn't expect to be found so quickly.
This money was the price Jardines paid to make Tong Kit leave Hong Kong.
Additionally, we recorded a video last night where Tong Kit personally confessed that he had been coerced by Jardines into collaborating and framing Fortress Electrical.
The videotape was put on the earliest flight back to Hong Kong at eight this morning and should land around ten-thirty," Cui Zilong reported.
Lin Haoran nodded—things were moving in a good direction.
"In addition, Boss, I've also gathered some dirt on Jardines," Cui Zilong continued, handing over a folder full of photos, videos, and signed documents.
Some examples included how Jardines framed and forced the owner of Fengming Company into prison early this year so they could acquire the company cheaply.
Other cases detailed even more of their shady operations.
These were only the findings gathered in a short time—given more time, Cui could gather even more.
It was clear just how ruthless Jardines had been in its business practices.
Illegal lawsuits, political manipulation—these were their keys to winning for decades.
But now that Governor MacLehose had promised not to intervene, and since Jardines had been so aggressive, Lin Haoran had no reason to show mercy.
"I want to expose Jardines' scandals one by one through the media. Can we still cooperate with Hong Kong Commercial Daily, Overseas Chinese Daily, and Sing Tao Daily?" Lin Haoran asked.
After all, they had jointly reported on the Fortress scandal earlier.
However, after reviewing today's papers, Lin noticed that they now focused heavily on Rediffusion's coverage and avoided taking sides.
"Boss, I spoke to their general managers. They told me they received direct warnings from Jardines and now refuse to get involved," Cui Zilong replied with a bitter smile.
Lin Haoran nodded.
It was understandable—Jardines' intimidation worked well in Hong Kong.
No one wanted to offend Jardines Matheson easily.
The three of them then discussed how to retaliate against Jardines.
Near 11 a.m., someone delivered a videotape.
Chen Shoulin led them to a meeting room equipped with a player.
Soon, a video appeared on the TV screen.
"Hello, I am Tong Kit, former Technical Superintendent of the Royal Hong Kong Police.
I am now in the Philippines. I want to clarify that the video I recorded earlier was fake.
I was forced by Jardines Matheson under threat to fabricate a false accusation against Fortress Electrical.
They offered me a one-million-dollar bribe and threatened to kill my entire family if I refused.
The original technical report was genuine—the heater was not defective.
I deeply regret participating in this and sincerely apologize..."
The former officer, in tears, confessed everything on camera.
"This tape—I'll arrange for TVB to broadcast it tonight.
Also, Mr. Cui, starting tomorrow, Oriental Daily must expose a new piece of dirt on Jardines every day, with hard evidence.
I want them to regret their actions!" Lin Haoran said sternly.
He was confident TVB would cooperate—especially since Rediffusion had already hurt TVB's ratings by airing the previous scandal.
Broadcasting at the same evening time slot would be the perfect counterattack.
"Understood, Boss!" Cui Zilong replied.
"Mr. Chen, don't rush things. After tonight's broadcast, organize a press conference tomorrow.
Accuse Jardine Electrical City of unfair competition.
This time, let's settle the score properly," Lin Haoran instructed.
"Finally, a real resolution," Chen Shoulin sighed in relief.
In the past, as a British-owned company, Hongkong Electric had never faced such dirty tactics.
Now he understood that the business world could be brutally ruthless.
At noon, Lin Haoran had lunch with them and then headed to TVB.
There, he met with Lee Siu Ho, the chairman of TVB's board.
The elderly man had only a few weeks to live—a fact he himself didn't know.
Lin Haoran, of course, said nothing, deciding to let nature take its course.
"Mr. Lin, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Lee Siu Ho asked, surprised by Lin Haoran's visit.
"I came to request your help, sir," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Please speak freely. If I can help, I certainly will," Lee Siu Ho replied warmly.
Lin Haoran took a videotape from his bag.
"Sir, once you watch this, you'll understand."
Without hesitation, Lee Siu Ho led him to a private viewing room.
A few minutes later, after watching the tape, Lee Siu Ho said,
"Mr. Lin, what a brilliant move!"
Even this veteran of Hong Kong's business world was impressed.
The Fortress Electrical scandal had rocked the city.
Lee had kept a close eye on it.
Last night, Rediffusion's broadcast had cut deeply into TVB's ratings.
Now, seeing the evidence Lin Haoran brought, Lee Siu Ho was both shocked and intrigued.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1