Chapter 282 Your Prestige Here Is Truly Remarkable!
Although this driver had been arranged for him by the British government, he wasn't Lin Haoran's personal subordinate. Lin Haoran understood that it was important to show respect to those providing him with services, regardless of his own status.
"Alright, Mr. Lin, please get in," Henry said politely, opening the car door with his left hand while lightly placing his right hand on the top of the frame to prevent Lin Haoran from accidentally hitting his head.
Just ten minutes later, the Rolls-Royce came to a steady stop at the entrance of the Dorchester Hotel.
Since Lin Haoran needed to head back to Tang Tower by six to join Uncle Tang for the Chinese Chamber of Commerce event, and it was already almost four o'clock, he wouldn't be staying at the hotel for long.
"Mr. Henry, I'll need your services again around 5:40 p.m. to head back to Tang Tower," Lin Haoran said before getting out of the car.
"No problem at all, Mr. Lin. I'm at your service anytime," Henry replied with a smile and an OK gesture.
Carrying bags filled with purchases, they returned to the hotel room. Lin Haoran sank onto the sofa and turned on the local television.
These women truly were made for shopping—Guo Xiaohan had been shopping for over two hours without showing any sign of exhaustion.
After putting her things away, Guo Xiaohan also sat down beside Lin Haoran in the living room.
"I'll be heading over to my Uncle Tang's soon. Do you want to come along?" Lin Haoran asked as he turned toward her.
"I don't think it would be appropriate.
Besides, after spending the whole day out, I'm a bit tired.
I'll just rest here at the hotel," Guo Xiaohan shook her head and replied.
Although she would have liked to go, she understood the situation.
After all, it was Uncle Tang who was taking Lin Haoran to the event, not Lin Haoran attending independently.
It wouldn't be appropriate for her to tag along.
"Alright then. Take your time and rest," Lin Haoran said, smiling, unconcerned.
They sat there chatting and watching TV, and before long, it was 5:40 p.m.
Lin Haoran, along with Li Weidong and Li Weiguo, left the hotel, leaving Guo Xiaohan behind to rest.
Sure enough, Henry was already waiting at the hotel entrance.
Since it was rush hour, it took about fifteen minutes to reach Tang Tower.
That was why Lin Haoran had decided to leave twenty minutes early.
After getting out of the car, Lin Haoran told the driver,
"Mr. Henry, you can head back to the hotel now."
He wasn't sure how late the Chinese Chamber of Commerce event would run, and it would be a waste of time for Henry to wait.
Anyway, he would be riding back with Uncle Tang.
Once Henry left, Lin Haoran turned toward Tang Tower.
Unexpectedly, Uncle Tang was already waiting inside the lobby.
"Haoran, since you're here, let's set off right away.
You can take one bodyguard with you and leave one behind at Tang Tower," Tang Kun said after checking his watch.
"Alright, Uncle Tang. I'll follow your arrangements.
Weiguo, stay at Tang Tower.
I'll pick you up later," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Uncle Tang's car was an armored Rover, a brand that, though obscure today, was a true luxury marque at the time.
Founded in Birmingham in 1878, Rover had been a staple of the British car industry, once favored by the Queen, the Prime Minister, and even the Vatican.
Although it had gradually declined, it was still common in the UK.
The car could comfortably fit five people, but with three in the backseat, it would be a bit cramped, so leaving one bodyguard behind was just right.
"Yes, Boss!" Li Weiguo immediately responded.
Tang Kun's driver was also his bodyguard, someone Lin Haoran had met before—a former top enforcer of the Triad Society, who had later gone clean and now worked loyally for Tang Kun.
This also hinted at Tang Kun's deep connections with the Triads, likely a key reason why he had thrived in London.
With the protection of a major organization, everyone had to show him respect.
"Xiao Wu, take the bodyguard to the lounge and make sure he's comfortable," Tang Kun ordered Manager Wu.
"Yes, Boss!" Manager Wu replied respectfully.
"Let's go, we shouldn't be too late," Tang Kun said with a smile to Lin Haoran.
They all got into the Rover, with Li Weidong sitting in the front passenger seat while Lin Haoran and Tang Kun sat in the back.
"Uncle Tang, what position do you hold at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce?" Lin Haoran asked curiously as the car started moving.
"I'm just a Vice President, really.
There are six Vice Presidents, so my position isn't as lofty as you might think," Tang Kun laughed modestly, though he couldn't hide his pride.
After all, becoming a Vice President of the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce was no small achievement.
It was a recognition of one's social standing, ability, and influence—not something wealth alone could buy.
"I also joined the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, but only as a Supervisory Board member.
Uncle Tang, your Vice President title is quite impressive," Lin Haoran said, smiling.
"I was wondering how Wan'an managed to become a Vice President at the Hong Kong Chamber.
He bragged about it to me several times recently.
Now I see—it's because of you, isn't it?" Tang Kun suddenly laughed, as if realizing something.
Indeed, without Lin Haoran's growing influence, Lin Wan'an would have struggled to secure such a prestigious position on his own.
Lin Haoran just smiled awkwardly, choosing not to pursue the topic.
The Rover drove swiftly through London's streets for nearly half an hour before stopping in front of a tall building—over twenty stories high.
Looking up, Lin Haoran saw that it was mainly a hotel: the Oriental Dragon International Hotel.
"Our event is on the fifth floor.
It's the business conference hall of the hotel, which happens to be owned by one of our Vice Presidents.
It's one of the most prestigious hotels in London," Tang Kun explained with a smile.
Lin Haoran nodded; he had indeed heard of the Oriental Dragon Hotel before.
During his university years, Chinese classmates had often mentioned it.
They took the elevator directly to the fifth floor.
Stepping out, they found a spacious, brightly lit hall already filled with dozens of people.
"Old Tang, over here!"
"Mr. Tang, long time no see!"
"Brother Kun, I've been hearing a lot about you lately—you must have made another fortune, right?"
...
As soon as Tang Kun entered the hall with Lin Haoran, many eyes turned toward him, and people eagerly came forward to greet him.
Clearly, Tang Kun held considerable prestige here—no wonder he was a Vice President.
He quickly integrated into the crowd, chatting easily with several important figures.
Meanwhile, the others only saw Lin Haoran as a young junior accompanying Tang Kun and didn't pay him much attention.
After greeting some key individuals, Tang Kun finally called Lin Haoran over to introduce him.
"Everyone, this is my junior, Lin Haoran from Hong Kong.
If he ever needs anything, I hope you'll all lend him a hand," Tang Kun said, laughing heartily.
"If he's your junior, he's my junior too.
Haoran, if you ever run into trouble in Birmingham, just call me.
As long as it's not something impossible, I'll do my best to help.
Here's my card," said a man in his fifties wearing gold-rimmed glasses, patting Lin Haoran's shoulder warmly.
"Brother Kun's junior is also my junior!
I may not be as influential as Brother Kun, but I manage several large retail stores.
Haoran, if you ever need cooperation, let's talk!" another businessman chimed in.
Several people quickly came forward to build connections with Lin Haoran, though he knew it was only because of Uncle Tang's influence.
Without that, no one would have paid him any mind.
"Thank you all, seniors.
If I ever need assistance, I'll certainly reach out," Lin Haoran replied politely while shaking hands with them.
The whole purpose of this trip was to expand his network—especially in Europe.
But what he really sought were connections with the true heavyweights: Presidents, Honorary Presidents, Vice Presidents—the people who wielded real power.
After about ten minutes of enthusiastic socializing, things finally settled down.
"Uncle Tang, your prestige here is truly remarkable!" Lin Haoran said sincerely when no one else was nearby.
"It's not just about position, Haoran," Tang Kun said earnestly.
"In the Chamber, my reputation comes from treating friends sincerely.
If I can help, I do.
Many people here have received my help over the years.
Some have become incredibly successful—even richer than me—but they still respect me because of the way I treated them.
Always remember: if you want genuine respect, you must first give genuine sincerity.
Fake feelings only attract fake people."
"I understand, Uncle Tang.
You're absolutely right," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
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