Chapter 81: Clearing Obstacles
After they wrapped up their discussion, Liu Luanzhong hurriedly left.
Tonight's meeting had been highly satisfactory for both sides — a true win-win.
Barely two hours after Liu Luanzhong left Hengfeng Building, Lin Haoran received his call.
On the other end, Liu Luanzhong excitedly informed him that his partner, Mr. Liang Yingwei, had agreed to transfer his 50% stake in Aimco Limited for HK$200,000.
Lin Haoran instructed them to come to Qingzhou Tower the next morning to sign the contract together.
As for the payment, he would accompany them to the bank to complete the transfer.
The night passed quickly.
At nine o'clock in the morning, after Huanyu Investment's employees began their day, Lin Haoran, along with Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, left the company for Qingzhou Cement in Hung Hom.
At Qingzhou Cement, Lin Haoran was still just a nominal Vice Chairman.
The mid-to-senior managers treated him with polite respect on the surface, but Lin Haoran's sharp intuition detected the underlying indifference and disdain behind their words.
Yet, he remained calm and unfazed, paying no mind to the hollow courtesies or hidden contempt.
News of Lin Haoran's appointment had already spread throughout the company. Even the lowest-level workers — kiln operators, coal grinders, crushing operators — had heard about him.
Interestingly, the ordinary workers showed him the most genuine respect.
Passing through Qingzhou Tower's first-floor reception, Lin Haoran specially informed the front desk that two guests would be coming to find him.
Today's receptionist was not the same blonde woman from before. Although also a Westerner, her attitude toward Lin Haoran was noticeably more friendly and respectful.
After all, as a frontline employee at the bottom of the company's hierarchy, she knew better than to offend someone, even a seemingly powerless Vice Chairman.
Back in his office, Lin Haoran waited quietly for Liu Luanzhong and his partner to arrive.
Meanwhile, in the Chairman's office, Halier Centurion was conferring with General Manager Ziegler.
"Mr. Ziegler, has Mr. Lin approached you these past few days?" Halier asked.
Halier had just returned from a business trip to Macau this morning. Macau, after all, was not only Qingzhou Cement's starting ground but still one of its important markets today.
"No, Mr. Halier," Ziegler shook his head. "As far as I know, he rarely visits the factory area. Mostly he stays in his office. Aside from requesting some employee files from HR, he hasn't made any moves."
"Strange," Halier muttered. "I thought he'd try to interfere with our management or at least demand some actual power. But so far, he hasn't asked for anything. Is he really content with being a nominal Vice Chairman?"
Halier also knew that Lin Haoran had once asked the finance department for confidential reports — which, of course, were refused. The CFO was his loyal man, and no sensitive documents would ever be handed over.
Moreover, the core financial reports were heavily doctored, appearing flawless on the surface but hiding deep secrets.
For an experienced finance person, the tampering wasn't hard to spot.
Thus, Halier was determined never to let Lin Haoran get involved with the finances, lest he uncover the ugly truth.
"If Lin Haoran ever insists on more authority, I might consider giving him a few token duties," Halier mused. "We've noticed some new forces moving in the stock market. Securing Lin's support could become crucial. But it's strange — he hasn't demanded anything."
Ziegler smiled faintly. "Isn't that exactly what we hoped for, Mr. Halier? If Mr. Lin doesn't interfere, then for us, nothing really changes. We simply have another shareholder."
Ziegler wasn't bothered about losing his Vice Chairman title at all.
He knew full well that, as General Manager, he controlled the company's real daily operations, while the Chairman only intervened for major decisions.
Besides, he was Halier's carefully groomed pawn — loyal and unconcerned about titles.
"Good. But keep an eye on him," Halier ordered. "If he stirs anything, report to me immediately."
"Understood, Mr. Halier," Ziegler nodded solemnly. "I'll monitor Mr. Lin closely and inform you of any developments."
Satisfied, Halier waved him off: "You may go."
Meanwhile, next door in Lin Haoran's office, Liu Luanzhong and Liang Yingwei had arrived.
Lin Haoran knew nothing of the discussions happening next door — the soundproofing was excellent.
By now, Liu Luanzhong had fully verified Lin Haoran's identity as Vice Chairman of Qingzhou Cement.
He was even more confident that partnering with Lin Haoran would accelerate Aimco's growth.
Compared to himself, Liu Luanzhong couldn't help but feel emotional.
Lin Haoran was so young yet already so accomplished — a stark contrast that stirred Liu's determination.
With Lin Haoran's backing, Aimco would surely develop rapidly, and Liu could finally realize his dreams.
On the other hand, Liang Yingwei had different thoughts.
Seeing someone as powerful as Lin Haoran join Aimco, he felt he'd be squeezed out. Rather than competing for scraps, he preferred to cash out now.
To him, taking HK$200,000 and starting anew seemed like a smarter move.
Lin Haoran didn't concern himself with their inner thoughts.
"Mr. Lin, this is my partner, Mr. Liang Yingwei," Liu said as they entered.
"Mr. Liang, nice to meet you," Lin Haoran greeted him warmly.
"Mr. Lin, likewise," Liang responded, though his eyes revealed slight nervousness.
Compared to Liu's calm composure, Liang, with his modest background, felt overwhelmed facing someone of Lin Haoran's stature.
"Have you made up your mind, Mr. Liang?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.
Liang nodded firmly. "Yes, Mr. Lin. I have decided. I will sell my 50% stake in Aimco for HK$200,000. From today, I will have no connection to the company."
He spoke briskly, clearly eager to complete the transaction.
"Good," Lin Haoran smiled. "Let's sign the contract."
He pulled out the prepared transfer contracts, printed in duplicate, and handed them to Liang.
"I've stipulated that the funds will be transferred to your account today. If not received by the end of the day, the contract automatically becomes void. You can rest assured," Lin added.
Liang carefully reviewed the contract, then signed without hesitation.
Lin Haoran also signed.
The equity transfer was now official.
"Mr. Liu, Mr. Lin, since everything is done, I'll take my leave now," Liang said happily.
HK$200,000 was a considerable sum for him, and his face radiated satisfaction.
"Goodbye, Mr. Liang. I wish you success in your future endeavors," Lin Haoran said politely.
Privately, he was relieved to see Liang go.
In Lin Haoran's long-term plans, it was always preferable to have only two shareholders in Aimco — himself and Liu.
The fewer shareholders, the more concentrated the future profits would be.
Had Liang remained, Lin Haoran would have looked for ways to gradually push him out anyway.
Now, Liang's voluntary exit spared him that trouble.
Once Liang had left, Lin Haoran retrieved a second contract from his desk.
This was the agreement he and Liu Luanzhong had finalized the night before.
After a final review, Liu solemnly signed the investment and partnership agreement.
Additionally, Liu wrote and signed a personal loan agreement — borrowing HK$1 million from Lin Haoran.
"Mr. Liu, I look forward to working with you."
"Mr. Lin, likewise."
Their hands clasped firmly.
Both wore satisfied smiles.
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