Chapter 283 Identity Exposed, Attitudes Changed
One after another, more influential figures arrived at the event.
Presidents, vice presidents, executive chairmen, secretaries-general—each one a heavyweight in the business world, with influence that rivaled or even surpassed Tang Kun's.
Whenever someone arrived, Tang Kun would personally introduce Lin Haoran to them.
Out of respect for Tang Kun, everyone was extremely polite to Lin Haoran.
These figures, holding important positions in the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce, clearly had substantial influence in the broader British business community.
However, after learning a bit about their financial strength, Lin Haoran realized that none of them were wealthier than he was.
After all, he had earned billions of Hong Kong dollars during the gold futures boom, and considering his subsequent investments in stocks and real estate, his net worth might have already surpassed ten billion Hong Kong dollars.
A billionaire in Hong Kong dollars, even worldwide, could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with many so-called hidden tycoons.
In Britain, probably only the famous Rothschild family could claim to be richer.
This was, after all, the early 1980s—not the later era where net worths of tens or hundreds of billions were common.
Thus, it was natural that these Chamber members' fortunes could not match his.
Just when Lin Haoran thought everyone had arrived, he noticed the presidents and vice presidents suddenly moving toward the elevators, seemingly after receiving some news.
Even Tang Kun turned to Lin Haoran and said, "Haoran, stay here for a moment. We're going downstairs to welcome a very important guest."
Important guest?
Lin Haoran was surprised.
The Chamber's top leaders were already here—who could be so important that they would all go downstairs together to greet them?
Although curious, he knew he would find out soon enough.
After five minutes, the elevator doors opened slowly.
Nearly ten people stepped out.
The leader was a Westerner—standing out conspicuously among the Chinese entourage.
Lin Haoran instantly recognized him—it was the Mayor of London, one of the officials who had welcomed him earlier that morning.
Lin Haoran was genuinely surprised.
No wonder the Chamber's leadership had gone downstairs to greet him.
At that moment, the Mayor also spotted Lin Haoran and, smiling warmly, strode over.
"Mr. Lin, what a surprise to see you here," the Mayor said, extending his hand.
"Good to see you again, Mr. Mayor," Lin Haoran replied with a smile, shaking his hand.
Their cordial exchange left the entire room in shock.
Who would have thought that the young man brought by Tang Kun would receive such respectful treatment from the Mayor of London himself?
Even Tang Kun was surprised.
He had known that Lin Haoran had achieved some success in Hong Kong, but he hadn't expected that even the Mayor would treat him with such respect.
"Lin Haoran... no wonder that name sounded familiar earlier.
Isn't he that super tycoon who suddenly rose to fame in Hong Kong?"
"Right, I've heard of him too.
A friend of mine from Hong Kong mentioned that he's incredibly powerful—so powerful that even major British consortiums in Hong Kong had to bow to him."
"Now that you mention it, I remember reading in The Times about a recent business battle where Jardines Matheson was forced to apologize on television to a Chinese businessman. That was him!"
"I didn't pay much attention before, but now that I see him in person—he's so young, and yet he's achieved so much. It's incredible."
...
Among those present, many were immigrants from Hong Kong, having come to Britain during the emigration wave of the past twenty or thirty years.
Many had been businessmen in Hong Kong and had continued their ventures after moving to Britain.
Thus, when Lin Haoran exchanged pleasantries with the Mayor, many quickly recognized him, while others learned about him from whispered explanations.
"I thought he was just another junior introduced by Tang Kun, but it turns out his achievements far surpass most of us here."
"Exactly. Thinking back on how I spoke to him earlier, I feel like a complete fool."
Lin Haoran's true identity shocked many present.
At that moment, even the Chamber's top leaders began treating him with newfound respect.
"Old Tang, I can't believe you've kept such an outstanding junior hidden from us all this time," the Chamber President said with a sigh to Tang Kun.
The situation for Chinese businessmen in Britain was very different from Hong Kong.
In Britain, even successful Chinese entrepreneurs rarely penetrated the upper echelons of society, often hindered by discriminatory policies.
Even this Chamber President, among the wealthiest Chinese businessmen in Britain, had a net worth of only one or two hundred million pounds—around twenty billion Hong Kong dollars at the current exchange rate.
Compared to Lin Haoran's wealth, the gap was vast.
In Hong Kong, however, the landscape was different.
As British capital retreated and Hong Kong's economy grew, Chinese-owned businesses had seized the opportunity and flourished, eventually surpassing their British counterparts.
Thus, while Hong Kong's Chinese businessmen dominated their local market, Chinese businessmen in Britain struggled to achieve similar influence.
"Old Liu, to be honest, I didn't know about this myself until today.
My nephew never mentioned it, and I rarely pay attention to Hong Kong's news," Tang Kun said with a bitter smile.
He had been stunned all day.
After Lin Haoran returned to the hotel earlier, he had called a contact in Hong Kong and confirmed everything.
What a perfect son-in-law he had missed out on.
If only his daughter had married Lin Haoran, he would have had someone to entrust his life's work to.
Unfortunately, back when Lin Haoran graduated, he had refused Tang Kun's offer to stay in London.
Now, watching Lin Haoran chatting with the Mayor, Tang Kun couldn't help but feel a deep sense of regret.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lin Haoran politely withdrew from the Mayor's side.
After all, he was here today not as a guest of honor, but to expand his network under Uncle Tang's guidance.
The Mayor, understanding the situation, turned his attention elsewhere.
The so-called networking event was essentially an opportunity for everyone to mingle and explore potential collaborations.
While many rarely met outside of events like this, these gatherings provided an excellent platform for new opportunities.
The event also featured a lavish dinner, mostly Chinese cuisine, as expected for a gathering of Chinese businessmen.
Serving Western dishes like steak would have been inappropriate.
Given the time, Lin Haoran was getting hungry.
Before the main networking began, everyone sat down for dinner at several large banquet tables.
Lin Haoran was naturally seated at the main table with the top executives.
If not for the Mayor's appearance, he would likely have been seated with ordinary members.
But someone who had earned the Mayor's respect clearly warranted special treatment.
During the meal, laughter and lively conversation filled the room, with many toasting Lin Haoran.
Meanwhile, they maintained a respectful distance from the Mayor, understanding that Westerners didn't typically engage in Chinese-style banquet drinking rituals.
Since Lin Haoran was Chinese, however, many assumed he would accept such customs.
In Chinese business culture, the higher one's status, the more toasts one would receive as a sign of respect.
But they were destined to be disappointed.
"My friends, I must apologize.
I have a mild allergy to alcohol.
I'll toast you all with tea instead, and sincerely thank you for your warm hospitality," Lin Haoran said with a polite smile, lifting his teacup.
In reality, he wasn't allergic to alcohol.
But seeing how eager many were, he realized that if he didn't stop it early, he would be forced into round after round of drinking, likely getting drunk before the night was over.
So, he cleverly switched to tea.
At worst, he would just need a few more trips to the bathroom.
Had he been anyone else, this might have been seen as rude.
But given Lin Haoran's now well-known identity, no one dared take offense.
Even those who privately grumbled maintained smiles and friendly expressions.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1