Chapter 10: In Hong Kong, I Have the Final Say
At the standard annual interest rate of 5%, if he borrowed the money for only one year, then when the loan matured he would need to repay 52.5 million Hong Kong dollars.
Adding the 500,000 Hong Kong dollars in "tea money," it meant that beyond the principal, he would have to pay an additional 3 million Hong Kong dollars.
That was by no means a small amount.
The original Huafeng Cement Factory only generated around 2 million Hong Kong dollars in net profit per year.
But Lin Haoran didn't care.
A few million Hong Kong dollars was nothing.
If he could successfully profit from the battle over Wharf Holdings, the returns wouldn't be a mere few percentage points—it would be a profit exceeding the original investment several times over.
Before coming here, Lin Haoran had already known that these negotiations wouldn't be easy.
That was why he had prepared thoroughly.
He believed that with the conditions he had offered, Yang Changdao would eventually agree.
"Haoran, give me some time to think it over carefully."
As he spoke, Yang Changdao slowly pulled a cigarette from his pack and lit it.
Amid the swirling smoke, he sank into deep thought.
Seeing this, Lin Haoran immediately understood.
Yang Changdao was already wavering.
"Of course, Uncle Yang. Take your time. I completely understand and am willing to wait," Lin Haoran replied with a nod.
After a long while, the cigarette in Yang Changdao's hand had burned down to the filter.
Yet he remained lost in thought, his brows tightly furrowed.
Only when a sharp burning sensation reached his fingertips did he suddenly snap back to reality and hurriedly extinguish the cigarette.
Taking a deep breath, Yang Changdao appeared to have made a major decision.
He looked directly at Lin Haoran and said seriously,
"The five hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars—I only want cash.
"As for the fifty-million-dollar loan, the term can only be one year.
"The annual interest rate will be fixed at five percent.
"We both know there's considerable risk involved here, so there can be no discounts on the interest rate."
"No problem at all. Once the deal is completed, I'll personally deliver the five hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars in tea money to you, Uncle Yang. I guarantee it won't cause you any trouble."
At last, a smile appeared on Lin Haoran's face.
Greed for money was, after all, one of humanity's most common weaknesses.
Clearly, General Manager Yang was no exception.
His goal had been achieved.
As for the one-year term, he couldn't care less.
What he lacked now was startup capital.
By the time a year had passed, he would already have much more capital at his disposal.
He might even have become the heir to Wan'an Group.
At that point, if he wanted another loan, not only Yumin Finance Company but countless banks would be competing to lend him money.
Right now, however, he was merely an unknown young man.
In the business world, he still lived under the shadow of his father, Lin Wan'an's influence.
He intended to use this year to gradually establish his own influence and grow rapidly within the business community.
In Hong Kong during the 1970s and 1980s, opportunities were everywhere.
In such a fiercely competitive commercial environment, remaining unknown made it difficult to achieve anything significant.
This loan negotiation itself was proof of that.
Had he not been relying on his father Lin Wan'an's influence and reputation—combined with his own persistent persuasion—it would have been virtually impossible to secure a fifty-million-dollar loan.
"Oh, right. There's actually one more favor I'd like to ask of you, Uncle Yang."
After thinking for a moment, Lin Haoran spoke sincerely.
"As for this personal loan, I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell my father about it.
"At least not within the next year.
"After a year has passed, whether you tell him or not won't matter."
"Why?" Yang Changdao asked.
During their conversation, he had already realized that Lin Haoran was no ordinary young man.
He possessed ambition, intelligence, and remarkable capability.
Yang Changdao genuinely believed he might accomplish extraordinary things in the future.
As such, he was willing to hear the explanation.
Lin Haoran took a deep breath and slowly replied:
"Uncle Yang, I know my father has high expectations of me.
"He doesn't want me to grow up sheltered under his protection.
"He wants me to become capable of standing on my own and proving myself through my own abilities.
"This loan is to raise capital for the acquisition of a listed company I've had my eye on for a long time.
"I want to complete it using my own strength.
"I want to prove myself—to my father and to myself.
"That's why I have my own development plans.
"One year from now, I will definitely repay every cent owed to your company.
"So I hope you'll help me keep this secret and give me the opportunity to prove myself."
In reality, the reason Lin Haoran didn't want Lin Wan'an to know was much simpler:
If his father found out, there was no way he'd ever be allowed to obtain the loan.
Was he supposed to be satisfied with merely developing Huafeng Cement Factory?
That wasn't Lin Haoran's style.
Even without inheriting Wan'an Group, he could already live a very comfortable life simply by relying on the cement factory.
But comfort wasn't what he sought.
He desired higher peaks and broader horizons.
He possessed ambitions that refused to settle for mediocrity.
"Fine, then. I agree," Yang Changdao replied casually.
The matter had no impact on him anyway.
Keeping the secret cost him nothing.
"By the way, Uncle Yang, how long will it take for the funds to be released?" Lin Haoran asked.
"About a week.
"Once I submit the documents for review, headquarters will still need to conduct an investigation.
"A week should be enough."
"Can you guarantee the loan will be approved?"
Although Yang Changdao had already agreed, Lin Haoran still felt somewhat uneasy.
Time waited for no one.
He needed the money as soon as possible.
"Don't worry.
"The investigation team here in Hong Kong is made up of my people.
"For the most part, what I say goes."
Since he had already agreed to the deal, Yang Changdao naturally intended to ensure everything proceeded smoothly.
The rest of the process became much simpler.
Lin Haoran submitted all the necessary documentation.
Once both parties formally signed the contract, all he had to do was wait for the funds to arrive.
"Uncle Yang, then let's leave it at that for today.
"I'll head back and wait for your good news.
"The five hundred thousand in cash is ready whenever you want it."
Before leaving, Lin Haoran shook Yang Changdao's hand.
"Good. As soon as there's a result, I'll notify you immediately," Yang Changdao replied with a nod.
He also had plenty of work ahead of him.
After taking on such a major deal, there were many preparations to make.
Walking out of the office, Lin Haoran finally let out a long breath of relief.
He was very satisfied with the outcome.
Meanwhile, in the waiting lounge outside, Li Weiguo and Li Weidong appeared extremely uncomfortable.
The two sat stiffly on the sofa, their eyes repeatedly drifting toward the coffee table, as though it were the only thing they dared focus on.
The unfamiliar environment made them unusually cautious.
Neither dared move around casually, afraid of upsetting the delicate balance created by the strange surroundings.
When they finally saw Lin Haoran emerge from the office, both brothers visibly relaxed.
They immediately stood up.
(End of Chapter)
Comments
Post a Comment