Chapter 454 Hong Kong's Number One Television Station
At that moment, Lin Haoran and Ma Shimin's appearance at the venue was enough to confirm that Jardines Matheson had indeed participated in today's government land auction.
"Not long ago, we successfully completed the auction of the five government plots. Jardines Matheson, with its keen foresight and strength, has successfully secured all of the land. Let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jardines Matheson with the warmest applause!" The head of the Lands Department sat centrally at the press conference, and as soon as his words fell, he led the audience into a round of enthusiastic applause.
Hearing this, all the reporters present were stunned.
Wasn't it said that Lin Haoran had lost confidence in Hong Kong's real estate market?
How could he suddenly, with such boldness, acquire so many plots at once?
The shock among the journalists was palpable; flashes from cameras lit up the room as everyone scrambled to capture the sudden reversal.
The reporters from media outlets that had previously published unfavorable opinions about Lin Haoran and Jardines Matheson looked particularly awkward, whispering among themselves, seemingly discussing how to respond to the unexpected turn of events.
Lin Haoran, wearing a calm smile, stood up and politely nodded to the officials and reporters present.
"First of all, I would like to thank the Lands Department for organizing this auction and thank all the media friends for their attention. Jardines Matheson has always been committed to the long-term development and prosperity of Hong Kong. We are full of confidence in Hong Kong's future," Lin Haoran said, his voice clear and firm, carrying throughout the hall via the microphone.
"Recently, some rumors have indeed caused some disturbance to our group and to me personally, but they have also strengthened our resolve to prove everything with concrete actions," he paused, his eyes sweeping across every person in the room, then continued, "Today, Jardines Matheson has successfully acquired five government plots. This is not an impulsive move but the result of our thorough market analysis and long-term planning. We believe that Hong Kong, as the financial center of Asia and one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, still holds enormous potential and vitality in its real estate market. Jardines Matheson is willing to work with all peers to promote the healthy development of Hong Kong's real estate market."
His words struck like a hammer, shattering the clouds of doubt that had been hanging over the real estate sector.
Who said Lin Haoran had lost confidence in Hong Kong real estate?
Look at today's actions. If he weren't confident, how could he dare to invest so heavily and decisively?
Behind this acquisition was an investment of at least tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars!
The reporters, emotions stirred, surged forward eagerly, microphones thrust toward the podium, desperate to capture every word and every moment of this dramatic turnaround.
Many reporters raised their hands impatiently, their eyes burning with questions they were eager to ask.
However, Lin Haoran did not give them the chance.
"Our successful bidding today is the strongest rebuttal to all the rumors suggesting that I, Lin Haoran, have lost faith in Hong Kong's real estate industry.
Moreover, I would like to announce an arrangement in advance: tonight at 7 PM, I will deliver a special address to all citizens of Hong Kong through TVB Jade Channel. I invite everyone to stay tuned!"
After speaking, Lin Haoran's gaze swept meaningfully over the reporters from Sing Tao Daily, Overseas Chinese Daily News, and Hong Kong Industrial & Commercial Daily, as if silently delivering a message.
Having said all he needed to say, he bid farewell to the officials and swiftly left the venue with Ma Shimin, leaving behind a crowd of reporters eager for interviews.
A special address?
This announcement instantly captured the full attention of all reporters present.
Everyone was now dying to know what Lin Haoran would say.
However, they had no choice but to wait until 7 PM that evening.
Reporters turned their focus to questioning the officials, trying to dig out more details about the auction.
The Lands Department officials, however, handled the press skillfully and refused to reveal anything about Jardines Matheson's special arrangement allowing deferred payment for the land.
That agreement was highly confidential.
Both Jardines Matheson and the Governor's Office maintained absolute silence about it.
If leaked, it could trigger an immense public outcry with unpredictable consequences.
After the press conference, Lin Haoran no longer concerned himself with what happened next.
Leaving the venue, he and Ma Shimin returned to Connaught Centre.
"From here on, the handover of the government land will be your responsibility," Lin Haoran said with a smile as he sat down in the office.
"Don't worry, Boss. This is the core work of Jardines Matheson. We'll handle it perfectly. Now that we have these five plots, we have five more major projects lined up. The future looks bright for Jardines Matheson!" Ma Shimin said confidently.
"All five plots must be developed into skyscrapers. Especially the two in Central—I want one of them to become the tallest building in Hong Kong!" Lin Haoran said ambitiously.
He was determined to maintain Jardines Matheson's position as Hong Kong's top landlord.
"Boss, I was just about to suggest the same!" Ma Shimin laughed heartily.
He recalled how, a few months ago, Connaught Centre lost its title as Hong Kong's tallest building to Hopewell Centre in Wan Chai, leaving everyone at Jardines Matheson feeling indignant.
Thus, after securing the new plots, both Lin Haoran and Ma Shimin were filled with renewed ambition.
"Then it's decided!" Lin Haoran declared boldly.
With the huge amount saved from the discounted land purchases—tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars—there would be plenty to fund the construction of new towers.
"Understood, Boss. Regarding the construction of the tallest building in Hong Kong, I'll arrange for the internal departments to start detailed planning immediately. By the way, about tonight's public address to the citizens of Hong Kong—could you tell me a little about what you plan to say?" Ma Shimin asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.
It wasn't just the reporters who were curious; even Ma Shimin was eager to know.
But Lin Haoran only smiled mysteriously and replied, "You'll find out tonight!"
Seeing that the boss didn't want to disclose more, Ma Shimin tactfully stopped asking.
After chatting for half an hour, Lin Haoran left Connaught Centre.
He then headed directly to TVB's headquarters at Broadcast Drive.
By the time he arrived at TVB's Kowloon Tong location, it was already past 5 PM, not far from 7 PM.
It had been several months since he last visited TVB.
Nevertheless, TVB employees were well aware that Lin Haoran was one of their bosses.
Thus, when he entered the building, many staff members warmly greeted him.
Unlike many companies that closed for the New Year holiday, TVB was exceptionally lively today.
The place was bustling, with employees busy working overtime and numerous performers preparing for tonight's New Year's Gala.
Though Lin Haoran hadn't visited often, he was familiar enough with TVB's layout.
He made his way smoothly to the Chairman's office.
Normally, Shao Yifu would split his time between Shaw Brothers Studios and TVB.
But today, Shaw Brothers was closed for the holiday, while TVB was in full operation.
Naturally, Shao Yifu was at TVB headquarters.
"Haoran, you finally showed up! As TVB's Vice Chairman, you're really quite relaxed—you've been invisible for months!" Shao Yifu joked half-seriously.
In truth, Shao Yifu preferred it this way; he didn't want Lin Haoran getting too involved in daily operations, preferring to have full control.
"Sixth Uncle, with you overseeing TVB, I have complete confidence. Just look at our ratings—consistently ahead of RTV. That proves you're steering the ship perfectly. As for me, I'm just here for the show!" Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
"You haven't been around much, but let me update you on TVB's recent situation," Shao Yifu said, not dwelling further on the pleasantries.
"Thanks, Sixth Uncle!" Lin Haoran nodded.
Shao Yifu pulled out several account books and records and handed them over.
He then began explaining.
Lin Haoran leafed through the materials while listening.
After acquiring Li's shares in TVB, Lin Haoran had made several suggestions, most of which Shao Yifu had implemented.
The results spoke for themselves: under Shao Yifu's leadership, TVB's ratings had surged dramatically, and in recent months, TVB consistently outperformed its rival, RTV.
Moreover, with higher ratings, advertising revenue had increased significantly.
Although the 1980 financial statements were not yet finalized, it was clear they would be much better than previous years.
When dividend time came, Lin Haoran would surely collect a handsome share—even if the amount was not something he particularly cared about.
Flipping through a ratings logbook, Lin Haoran saw records not only for TVB's channels but also for RTV's.
In this era, television stations typically commissioned professional agencies to conduct audience ratings surveys, selecting random families and recording their TV viewing habits through special devices.
While not perfectly accurate, the results were authoritative at the time.
The data showed that when Lin Haoran first invested in TVB, its ratings were neck and neck with RTV, and sometimes RTV even led.
But after Shao Yifu became Chairman, TVB's ratings steadily climbed.
By September, TVB's ratings consistently ranged between 60% and 70%, leaving RTV with only 30% to 40%.
Based on these months of ratings, TVB had undoubtedly become Hong Kong's number one television station.
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