Chapter 76: Rebuttal
Perhaps due to work, Lin Wanan didn't return home until around seven in the evening.
After dinner with his family, he finally called Lin Haoran into the study.
"Dad," Lin Haoran greeted casually as he entered the study, choosing a seat at random.
"Haoran, are you hiding something from me?" Lin Wanan asked, locking eyes with him.
"Dad, what have you heard?" Lin Haoran replied curiously.
Lin Wanan handed him a copy of the Hong Kong Business Daily.
Seeing the announcement about Qingzhou Cement, Lin Haoran immediately understood how his father had found out.
Previously, he had speculated whether his father might have heard something from Bao Yugang or Li Jiacheng, given they were neighbors in Deep Water Bay and casual encounters were common.
"Yes, Dad, the person mentioned in the newspaper is me," Lin Haoran admitted openly, his voice carrying a hint of relief.
Hearing his son's admission, Lin Wanan finally felt a weight lift from his heart.
No matter how it happened, it was good news that his son had achieved such a milestone.
"Then you'd better explain to me clearly — what else have you been hiding? And how exactly did you come to hold 13.7% of Qingzhou Cement's shares?" Lin Wanan asked, his voice a mixture of inquiry and expectation. He clearly wanted to know more about his son's journey.
"Dad, when I was in university, I developed a strong interest in the stock market. After returning to Hong Kong and while managing Huafeng Cement, I took a serious look at Hong Kong's listed companies.
Through my research, I found that Qingzhou Cement's stock price was severely undervalued, far below its true worth. What really moved me was their huge land holding in Hung Hom.
Given Hong Kong's rapid development, it's inevitable that the cement plant would one day relocate from the city center. If that land were redeveloped into commercial buildings, its value would skyrocket.
Moreover, the largest shareholder only owned 12.6% of the company — equivalent to about thirty million Hong Kong dollars in market value.
I realized this was a rare opportunity: by secretly acquiring shares, I could possibly gain control of the company.
But acquiring shares requires money — a lot of it.
Loans were the easiest way to get capital. However, loans must be repaid. I needed a way to quickly earn my first fortune after borrowing.
At that time, Wharf Holdings' stock price had plummeted. I realized that Mr. Bao Yugang's purchase of Mr. Li Jiacheng's shares hinted at a battle for Wharf Holdings' control.
I judged that a fierce contest between Bao Yugang and Jardine Matheson was inevitable.
So, I decided to mortgage Huafeng Cement to secretly buy large quantities of Wharf shares at low prices.
Originally, I wanted to consult you, Dad, but knowing your dislike for debt financing, I knew you would firmly oppose it. So, I chose to keep it from you.
As I anticipated, Wharf's stock price skyrocketed. I sold at over seventy Hong Kong dollars per share, earning massive profits.
With my first fortune, I continued to secretly acquire Qingzhou Cement shares, becoming a major shareholder.
Of course, even as a major shareholder, Qingzhou Cement's Chairman Halier Centurion is deeply entrenched. So despite my status, I couldn't shake his position — thus, I accepted becoming Vice Chairman instead."
Lin Haoran recounted his story half-truthfully, highlighting his commercial acumen while leaving out certain details.
Hearing this, Lin Wanan's brows furrowed ever deeper, his face full of worry for his son's risky maneuvers.
"Haoran, this was too risky. But since it's already done, I won't scold you.
You've achieved so much at such a young age — as your father, I'm proud of you.
Just promise me: from now on, be more cautious. Avoid relying too much on loans.
I've built Wanan Group steadily for years, maintaining one of the lowest debt ratios among Hong Kong's real estate companies.
That financial health gives us the resilience to survive market downturns.
Remember, steady progress is the key to lasting success. Don't chase short-term gains and neglect hidden risks."
Lin Wanan was sincerely trying to pass on his philosophy to his son.
However, Lin Haoran didn't entirely agree.
To him, his father's approach was too conservative — a reason why Wanan Group had always grown slowly.
Seeing the opportunity, Lin Haoran spoke up:
"Dad, wasn't it around the same time that you and Mr. Li Jiacheng entered the real estate sector?" Lin Haoran asked pointedly.
Lin Wanan's eyes lowered slightly, and he nodded slowly, remembering the past. "Yes, we started around the same time."
Pouring them both a glass of water, Lin Haoran continued.
"You see, Mr. Li Jiacheng's Cheung Kong Holdings has become a leading force among Chinese real estate firms in Hong Kong, while Wanan Group, though stable and debt-free, is only mid-tier — lagging far behind the top players.
This isn't just about our family. In business, whether looking at British firms or Chinese property giants like the Ho family, Sun Hung Kai, New World, or Henderson Land — all have used external partnerships and resources to achieve explosive growth.
During my studies in London, I learned that in business, boldness and risk-taking are often the keys to greatness.
If we cling to conservatism, we may survive — but we'll never truly thrive.
Business is an endless race to surpass others."
Having achieved recent success, Lin Haoran now spoke with confidence.
Initially, he had intended to nod along with his father while secretly pursuing his own ambitions.
But now, after seeing the potential of Qingzhou Cement and realizing the bigger picture, he had no intention of holding back.
Especially with the redevelopment potential of the Hung Hom land — he saw the necessity of action.
He realized Qingzhou Cement lacked real estate development experience. Although they had built Qingzhou Tower, Tsing Yi Tower, and Castle Peak Tower, those were outsourced to construction firms.
To maximize the land's value, Lin Haoran knew he needed a partner experienced in development.
And who better than Wanan Group?
The idea became even bolder: maybe it was time to push his father toward early retirement and take the reins himself, combining Wanan Group with Qingzhou Cement to build a new empire.
As this ambition took root in his heart, it burned brighter and brighter.
The so-called family succession battle suddenly seemed trivial to him.
With his current achievements and strength, his elder brother Lin Haoning no longer posed any real competition.
Hearing his son's passionate words, Lin Wanan felt a mixture of pride and worry.
He had always dreamed of standing at the pinnacle of the business world — yet had chosen a safer, steadier path.
Looking at his son now — ambitious, confident, daring — he felt both admiration and uncertainty.
"Haoran, your ambition is admirable. As your father, I am truly proud.
But Qingzhou Cement is more complicated than you think.
Even if you are brilliant, it won't be easy to take full control. Halier Centurion may hold few shares, but his influence among the other shareholders is deeply rooted.
Even with Wanan Group's full support, it won't be an easy battle.
You're still young," Lin Wanan said with a sigh, shaking his head.
To him, his son's ambitions were a mountain too steep to climb.
Lin Haoran's current accomplishments had already exceeded all expectations — but controlling a British-owned giant like Qingzhou Cement? Even he, Lin Wanan, wouldn't dare dream of such a feat.
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