Chapter 98: Time to Buy a Villa for Myself
Yang Changdao hurried back — obviously to discuss the matter with Yumin Finance's investigation chief in Hong Kong.
Since he hadn't immediately said no, it was clear there was a chance.
Thus, Lin Haoran just had to wait.
Shortly after Yang left, Lin Haoran headed back to Qingzhou Cement.
If there was news, they could reach him easily via his pager.
Returning to the Chairman's office, Lin Haoran reviewed the documents on his desk.
There weren't many urgent approvals needed today.
After reviewing and approving many files yesterday, he had already raised Burton's decision-making authority.
Now only truly major decisions needed Lin Haoran's personal approval.
After all, if you trust someone, you don't second-guess them; if you have doubts, don't employ them.
Besides, Burton had just been appointed General Manager —
he needed room to prove himself.
Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't dare make decisions that would harm the company.
Moreover, Lin Haoran felt reassured because Burton's loyalty was high.
If it were lower, Lin Haoran wouldn't have given him such autonomy.
Just then, a knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," Lin Haoran said steadily.
The door opened, and in walked Burton, holding a file, looking professional and confident.
"Chairman, after careful thought, I've drafted a development proposal that I believe is crucial for the company's future. I'm here to seek your approval," Burton said respectfully, handing over the document.
"Oh?" Lin Haoran took the file, curious.
If Burton still needed his sign-off despite his expanded authority, it had to be important.
"Three years ago, thanks to the connections I built in Luzon, we successfully opened the Luzon cement market for Qingzhou Cement.
Today, we rank fifth in cement sales on the island.
For years, I suggested to Mr. Halier Centurion that instead of continuing to ship cement from Hong Kong — which is costly —
we should set up local production by either acquiring or building a cement plant in Luzon.
It would dramatically reduce transport costs and boost sales even further.
Unfortunately, my proposals were never adopted."
Burton continued passionately as Lin Haoran read the file:
"I firmly believe localization is the future.
The Philippines, with its dense population, holds tremendous market potential.
We're currently fifth in sales — but if we move production there, we could easily climb into the top three cement suppliers.
That would mean substantial annual profits.
Moreover, the Philippines would just be the start.
Long term, I envision Qingzhou Cement expanding into Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and even Australia."
Hearing Burton's bold plan made Lin Haoran's eyes shine with approval.
Finishing the document, Lin Haoran didn't hesitate —
he signed his name and said:
"This plan is excellent.
I fully support it.
Go ahead!"
Ever since acquiring Qingzhou Cement, Lin Haoran had planned to expand overseas.
Hong Kong's limited population of a few million couldn't sustain the company's long-term growth.
Burton's proposal aligned perfectly with Lin Haoran's vision.
Thus, he gave his full endorsement without hesitation.
Burton was surprised at first by how quickly Lin Haoran approved —
then he was overwhelmed with excitement.
Holding the signed document tightly, Burton said confidently,
"Thank you for your trust, Chairman.
I promise — within two years, I will make Qingzhou Cement one of the top three suppliers in the Philippines!"
Lin Haoran nodded in satisfaction.
"Expanding overseas is a key part of our future.
Your efforts will be crucial.
Work hard.
I have full confidence in you."
Receiving such clear support fueled Burton's passion even further.
He bowed respectfully, then left the office, filled with determination.
When he first stepped into the office, Burton had worried Lin Haoran might be like Halier Centurion —
conservative, dismissive of bold ideas.
But to his great relief, Lin Haoran was visionary, understanding, and supportive.
With such a boss backing him, Burton felt free to chase dreams that had once seemed impossible.
In his mind, he was already picturing Qingzhou Cement's future glory on the international stage.
After Burton left, Lin Haoran walked slowly to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the bustling but increasingly crowded factory area below.
He understood that Hong Kong's tiny, crowded geography severely limited Qingzhou Cement's future potential.
To achieve greater success, they had to expand — beyond Hong Kong, into the wider world.
At that moment, the sky was gray, a lingering mist from a morning drizzle hanging over the city.
Yet Lin Haoran felt none of the gloom.
In his heart, this weather felt more like a prelude —
a signal that storms would come, but so would the magnificent rainbow afterward.
Just then, the urgent ringing of the phone snapped him out of his thoughts.
He swiftly returned to his desk and answered.
Sure enough, it was Yang Changdao from Yumin Finance.
"Haoran, it's me, Yang Changdao," came the crisp, direct voice.
"I spoke with our investigation team and briefed headquarters.
Regarding that HK$240 million loan — it looks promising.
If you're free, bring the necessary documents to our office.
We'll get the contracts signed as soon as possible."
"Good.
I'll be right over.
I'm at Qingzhou Cement right now — give me half an hour," Lin Haoran said decisively.
After hanging up, a small smile tugged at his lips.
He had already anticipated that Yang would approve it.
Now it was confirmed.
Taking his two bodyguards, Lin Haoran first returned to Huanyu Investment to gather the required documents —
then headed straight to Yumin Finance.
An hour later, Lin Haoran and Yang Changdao both stood up and shook hands —
signifying that the deal was done.
"Uncle Yang, I hope the loan can be released quickly.
Time is money.
I need to move fast for my next steps," Lin Haoran said earnestly.
"Don't worry.
I'll personally expedite the process.
Barring any surprises, the funds should be released within three days," Yang promised with a big smile.
"Thanks.
As agreed, once the funds are released, the HK$500,000 'tea money' will be ready too," Lin Haoran added.
"Haoran, I trust you.
We've already built a strong relationship through past deals," Yang said, slapping Lin Haoran's shoulder jovially.
"Alright then.
I'll let you get back to work.
Thanks again, Uncle Yang," Lin Haoran said, preparing to leave.
"Take care, Haoran.
Come by for tea sometime — we should talk more," Yang said as he personally escorted him to the door.
After leaving Yumin Finance, Lin Haoran returned to Hengfeng Building.
As night fell, an unexpected visitor arrived at his office — Guan Jiahui.
She entered shyly, carrying a sense of longing.
Ever since they crossed that line, her feelings for Lin Haoran had only deepened.
And now, learning that he had become Chairman of Qingzhou Cement, she was even more enamored —
longing to be by his side.
But her strict father had always been at home, making overnight visits impossible.
Tonight, she finally had her chance —
her father had gone to Macau for two days.
Seizing her fleeting freedom, Guan Jiahui had rushed to Lin Haoran's side.
And Lin Haoran, being young and full of vigor, naturally welcomed her enthusiastically.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, falling gently on Lin Haoran and Guan Jiahui.
Lin Haoran woke up feeling refreshed.
Beside him, Guan Jiahui slept soundly, her beauty even more striking in sleep.
Looking at her, a thought quietly surfaced:
"Once I make big profits from the upcoming oil crisis,
it's time to buy a villa for myself."
He leaned back against the headboard, absentmindedly caressing Guan Jiahui's silky skin, his mind already planning ahead.
While his office at Hengfeng Building was spacious, it was far from ideal as a private residence.
Whenever Guan Jiahui visited, he had to make arrangements to move his bodyguards elsewhere to ensure privacy.
It was all too inconvenient.
Owning his own villa would solve all these problems —
plenty of space, complete privacy.
Glancing at the clock, it was already 7:30 a.m.
He gently woke the sleeping beauty.
"I have to head to Kwun Tong later for some work.
I'll drop you off on the way," he said.
"Okay," Guan Jiahui murmured, yawning adorably, still tired from last night's exertions.
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