Chapter 103: The Sole Heir!
"How much investment are we estimating for this redevelopment? Have you calculated it?" Lin Haoran asked.
"It's just a basic renovation based on the existing structure, so it won't cost much. Estimated around HK$500,000," Burton replied.
Lin Haoran nodded and said, "You want to pursue diversified development — I support that.
Consider this an opportunity to test the waters.
I don't know how confident you are about its success, but even if it fails, a few hundred thousand dollars is a loss we can afford."
A general manager genuinely striving to increase company profits was exactly what he needed.
Leaving Qingzhou Cement, Lin Haoran didn't head back to Hengfeng Building.
Instead, he instructed Li Weiguo to drive straight toward Deep Water Bay.
After the long journey back from Cairo, including layovers, he had spent about twenty hours in transit.
It was time to rest properly.
And at the Lin family villa, life was certainly far more comfortable than staying in a company office.
Forty minutes later, the Mercedes-Benz slowly pulled into the villa's parking lot.
"Haoran, you're finally back," Lin Haoran's mother said happily upon seeing him.
"Hi Mom," Lin Haoran greeted her with a smile.
"Oh, right, Haoran, your big brother will be coming back tonight," his mother added.
Big brother, Lin Haoning?
Lin Haoran frowned slightly.
Since reincarnating into this world, he had never had a favorable impression of this brother.
In the past, Lin Haoning had secretly planted spies around him — shady behavior that left a bad taste.
However, nowadays, Lin Haoran no longer regarded him as an opponent.
As his own assets and vision grew, any desire for revenge had gradually faded.
Especially after acquiring Qingzhou Cement, he now held significant standing in Hong Kong's business community.
Though not yet a top-tier tycoon, he was far beyond the rank of an ordinary businessman —
he was the Chairman of a listed company.
"I'm going upstairs to rest.
After a day's worth of flights, I'm exhausted," Lin Haoran said, skipping further small talk with his mother and heading toward his attic room.
After so long away, the attic was still as clean and tidy as ever.
The air carried a faint, refreshing scent —
a sign that the housemaids had taken meticulous care of the space.
On the rooftop terrace, the plants were vibrant, basking under beams of dappled sunlight filtering through the clouds.
The November breeze was warm and gentle.
In northern China, it would already be snowing —
but in Hong Kong, the temperature was a pleasant 25 to 26 degrees Celsius.
Lying back on a lounge chair, Lin Haoran soon fell asleep to the soothing sea breeze.
Who knew how long he slept for?
A soft, melodic voice woke him —
one of the family's Filipina maids gently calling:
"Young Master, Master and Madam are waiting for you to join them for dinner."
"Okay, I'll be right down," Lin Haoran said with a yawn.
After washing his face, he made his way downstairs to the dining room.
At the table, he spotted a man who was both familiar and unfamiliar.
Familiar because of memories —
unfamiliar because they hadn't met face-to-face since his reincarnation.
It was his elder brother, Lin Haoning.
"Haoran, come eat," Lin Haoning said proactively, breaking the initial awkwardness.
Lin Haoran nodded, then smiled and asked,
"Sister-in-law isn't joining us?"
"She took Jianbin back to visit her family," Lin Haoning explained.
Jianbin was Lin Haoran's nephew — Lin Haoning's son.
"Come on, let's eat," Mother Lin said warmly, urging everyone to dig in.
Although not the entire family was present, with her two sons and husband around the table, she felt deeply content and blessed.
"Let's eat. No talking during meals," Lin Wanan said, maintaining traditional dining etiquette.
Thus, the family dinner proceeded in a slightly awkward but ultimately peaceful atmosphere.
After dinner, Lin Haoning suggested,
"Dad, Haoran, let's go to the study.
I have something I want to say."
Though curious, Lin Haoran didn't comment.
He simply followed them into the first-floor study.
After closing the door, Lin Wanan sat down and sighed,
"It's been a long time since the three of us sat down for a real conversation."
"Yeah, many years," Lin Haoning agreed.
Lin Haoran smiled and said,
"Big brother, if you have something to say, just say it directly."
Hearing this, Lin Haoning gazed at him with complicated emotions and finally said,
"Haoran, seeing you become Chairman of Qingzhou Cement made me realize I can't possibly catch up to you within the next year.
I've already informed Dad that I'm willing to formally withdraw from the race for succession."
He continued,
"Also, regarding the customer losses at Huafeng Cement over the past few months —
I admit I was behind it.
I used connections from the Cao family to divert some clients away,
hoping to gain an advantage in our business competition."
He sighed bitterly.
"But the business world is far more complex than I imagined.
I thought I could secure victory —
but I ended up looking like a fool."
A self-mocking smile appeared on his face, filled with defeat and regret.
Lin Haoran was surprised.
He had long suspected — based on loyalty readings and intuition — that the troubles at Huafeng Cement were connected to Lin Haoning.
But hearing his brother admit it so frankly was still unexpected.
He glanced at their father, Lin Wanan, who remained calm —
as if he had known everything from the start.
"Haoran," Lin Wanan's deep voice broke the silence,
"this is to teach you an important lesson about business —
the world out there is far more treacherous and unpredictable than you think."
He continued,
"I've been monitoring both you and your brother all along.
Whether it was Huafeng Cement's ups and downs or Wanfeng Fan Factory's progress —
I had regular reports."
"But I chose not to interfere.
I wanted you to experience it yourself —
to grow through challenges and learn real business wisdom."
He spoke with great depth, then turned to Lin Haoning:
"Ning'er, this experience should serve as a profound lesson.
Never underestimate any opponent,
and never let your arrogance blind you."
He added,
"You thought you had the upper hand —
but in reality, your opponent had already moved far beyond your reach."
Hearing all this, Lin Haoran's mind cleared.
He realized his father had always been in control of the bigger picture.
After all, Huafeng Cement and Wanfeng Fan Factory both originated from Lin Wanan's empire.
Naturally, their employees remained fiercely loyal to him.
Any turbulence would have been immediately reported back.
Lin Wanan had deliberately chosen to observe silently —
giving him space to grow.
And indeed, Lin Haoran had done far more than anyone expected —
securing Qingzhou Cement, a company far more valuable than Wanan Group itself.
Seeing Lin Haoran remain calm and collected,
Lin Wanan smiled and said warmly:
"Haoran,
letting you two compete was never about picking a winner.
It was about your growth."
"I always assumed your big brother would win —
but you've far exceeded all my expectations."
"You've not only proven your capabilities —
you've made me prouder than I could have ever imagined."
Finally, Lin Wanan announced:
"Since the matter is now settled,
from today onward —
Haoran, you will be the sole heir to Wanan Group."
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