Chapter 280 Haoran, Are You Bragging?
"Manager Wu, is my Uncle Tang at the restaurant today?" After exchanging a few greetings, Lin Haoran asked directly.
"Young Master Lin, the boss arrived early this morning and hasn't left yet. He should be in the private tea room on the third floor," Manager Wu replied.
"Alright, you get back to work. I won't disturb you," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
He was so familiar with the place that he didn't need anyone to guide him.
"Very well, Young Master Lin. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Brother Haoran, you seem quite familiar with Manager Wu. Have you been here often?" Guo Xiaohan asked curiously in the elevator.
"I used to come often when I was studying in London. This restaurant belongs to a good friend of my father's," Lin Haoran explained simply.
Guo Xiaohan understood immediately and didn't ask further.
Soon, the elevator stopped on the third floor. They exited and walked down a long hallway until Lin Haoran stopped in front of a door.
There was no nameplate, but Lin Haoran knew this was Uncle Tang's private tea room.
He knocked gently, and soon an elderly voice from inside called out, "Come in."
Lin Haoran opened the door and saw an old man sipping tea and reading a book, not even looking up to see who had entered—probably assuming it was one of his staff.
"Uncle Tang, you're just as leisurely as ever," Lin Haoran said with a laugh as he entered, bringing Guo Xiaohan along.
Li Weidong and Li Weiguo stayed outside.
"Eh? Haoran, you're in London? Why didn't you let me know earlier?" The elder finally looked up, surprised.
"I had some business to handle here. I just arrived, and the first thing I did was come to visit you, Uncle Tang," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Good lad, at least you still have a conscience. I can't believe it's been two years already. How's your father doing?" Tang Kun asked with genuine concern.
Inquiring about a friend's health first thing showed their deep bond.
Even though they surely kept in touch by phone, nothing compared to seeing someone in person.
"My father retired a year ago. After some rest and treatment, his health has improved greatly.
Two months ago, he had a full check-up at the hospital—all indicators were nearly back to normal. He's doing much better now," Lin Haoran respectfully replied.
"That's good to hear. I've been wanting to visit him in Hong Kong, but sometimes things just aren't up to us. It's a relief to know he's well," Tang Kun said, visibly relieved.
In truth, Tang Kun was two or three years older than Lin Wan'an and only marginally healthier himself.
His family probably wouldn't allow him to travel such a long distance.
"Before I left Hong Kong, my father asked me to send you his regards.
He also said he hopes to come to London sometime to have tea with you," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"I'd love to have tea with your father, but who knows when that will happen again?
The last time we met was already five years ago. Time really flies.
Come on, sit down. Don't just stand there.
Is this young lady your girlfriend? She's a good match for you. When are you two getting married?
Even if my health worsens, I'll still attend your wedding!" Tang Kun said with a laugh as he looked at Guo Xiaohan.
His teasing immediately made Guo Xiaohan blush bright red.
"Uncle Tang, she's not my girlfriend.
She's Miss Guo Xiaohan from the Guo family in Southeast Asia.
Our families are business partners, and since she's visiting the UK for the first time, I'm acting as her guide," Lin Haoran explained helplessly after they sat down.
"Guo family from Southeast Asia? You mean Guo Henian's family?" Tang Kun asked in surprise.
In Southeast Asia, the Guo family was one of the most prominent Chinese families.
"Nice to meet you, Uncle Tang.
Guo Henian is my uncle," Guo Xiaohan said, taking the initiative to introduce herself.
"Haoran, it seems you've made impressive progress in Hong Kong, if you're dealing with such prominent families," Tang Kun praised.
After all, Guo Henian's fame extended throughout the Chinese community.
"Uncle Tang, haven't you kept up with the news from Hong Kong?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.
Although Hong Kong was small and news didn't always travel fast to London, he thought Tang Kun would at least have some idea of what had been happening.
But from their conversation, it seemed Tang Kun knew nothing of Lin Haoran's recent achievements.
"Our whole family moved to the UK over twenty years ago.
One by one, my relatives have come here too.
Now, aside from your father, Wan'an, I don't really have any close friends left in Hong Kong.
I rarely pay attention to what's going on there.
Why, did you make a big splash?" Tang Kun asked with curiosity.
"Brother Haoran is now the boss of several listed companies and is quite famous in Hong Kong's business world," Guo Xiaohan said proudly from the side.
Lin Haoran turned to look at her, surprised by the hint of pride in her voice.
"Really? Wan'an never told me any of this.
Come on, Haoran, tell me exactly which companies you own. Let's see if I recognize them," Tang Kun said, even more intrigued.
"Ching Chau Cement Company, Hongkong Electric, Towngas, and Kowloon Motor Bus—those few," Lin Haoran answered frankly.
There was no need to hide it; anyone could find out with a simple phone call to Hong Kong.
Tang Kun's face froze in disbelief.
He knew these companies well—they were pillars of Hong Kong's economy, even before he had left for London.
"Haoran, you're not pulling my leg, are you?" Tang Kun asked skeptically.
"This is common knowledge in Hong Kong, Uncle Tang.
I have no reason to lie to you.
The reason I'm in London is that I was invited by the British government to visit and inspect the market here.
We just arrived this morning, and after a short rest, I came straight here to visit you.
According to the schedule, I'll be meeting the Prime Minister at Downing Street tomorrow morning," Lin Haoran explained with a laugh.
Seeing Lin Haoran's sincerity, Tang Kun gradually believed him.
"Two years ago, I advised you to stay in the UK and develop your career.
I didn't expect that in just two years, you would build such an empire.
It's truly unbelievable," Tang Kun said with emotion.
The two chatted for a while longer—mainly Tang Kun asking questions and Lin Haoran answering them.
After about twenty minutes, seeing that Guo Xiaohan had been sitting quietly, Lin Haoran said,
"Uncle Tang, I haven't had lunch yet. I'll go grab something to eat and visit you again later."
The primary purpose of visiting his elder had been fulfilled, so he didn't plan to linger much longer.
"How could I let you leave on an empty stomach?
Since I had breakfast late, I haven't had lunch either.
Let's have a meal together.
It's rare to find authentic Hong Kong-style food in London, but I can treat you here," Tang Kun said warmly.
"Thank you, Uncle Tang," Lin Haoran agreed without hesitation.
After all, this restaurant belonged to Tang Kun—it wouldn't hurt to enjoy another free meal.
During his student days in London, he had eaten here plenty of times without paying, per Tang Kun's instructions.
One more meal now wouldn't make a difference.
They walked side by side, with Guo Xiaohan following behind and Li Weidong and Li Weiguo bringing up the rear.
Seeing Lin Haoran's two bodyguards confirmed to Tang Kun that Lin was indeed someone of stature now.
After all, ordinary people didn't travel with personal bodyguards.
"Haoran, Miss Guo seems like a great match for you.
You're both from prestigious families.
You should seize the opportunity and not miss such a good girl," Tang Kun whispered to Lin Haoran.
Although he lowered his voice, the distance was so small that Guo Xiaohan heard everything clearly.
"Uncle Tang, you don't need to worry about that," Lin Haoran said helplessly.
"You're not getting any younger either.
If you had stayed in the UK, I would have married off my daughter, Xiaolan, to you.
Now she's already married.
You really should start thinking about marriage," Tang Kun said with a hearty laugh.
"Xiaolan got married?" Lin Haoran asked, surprised.
He remembered that Xiaolan, Tang Kun's youngest daughter, was just one year older than him.
During his time studying in London, Tang Kun had indeed tried to match them up.
Now, at 27, it was perfectly normal that Xiaolan had already married.
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