Chapter 11: Trust Those You Employ, and Do Not Doubt Them
After leaving Admiralty Tower with Li Weiguo and Li Weidong, Lin Haoran originally planned to head to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Kowloon to understand the latest market conditions.
Although the money had not yet arrived, judging from Yang Changdao’s confident attitude, the loan would definitely be approved.
Even if his submitted documents were technically insufficient, Yang Changdao would still find a way to make it happen.
Therefore, getting an early understanding of the stock market would help him prepare for what came next.
However, just as he got into the car, his BB pager suddenly buzzed loudly.
Someone was looking for him.
Helplessly, he got out of the car and went to a nearby public telephone booth to call back.
In this era, BB pagers relied on analog signals. Their main function was simply to receive incoming call notifications. Users still had to find a public phone to return calls, making the process quite cumbersome.
However, despite the inconvenience, in an age when mobile phones were not yet commercially available, the BB pager was still a cutting-edge invention—marking the early stage of instant communication technology.
After calling back, Lin Haoran finally learned who had contacted him.
It was his father in this world—Lin Wan’an.
It turned out that Lin Yi had reported to Lin Wan’an that Lin Haoran had left Yuen Long without bringing them along, and had even exaggerated many of his recent actions.
Fearing that his younger son might be in danger, Lin Wan’an had called him immediately.
“Dad, I’ll come find you. I happen to be in Wan Chai, not far from the company.”
Lin Haoran had no choice but to postpone his visit to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
The headquarters of Wan’an Group was in Causeway Bay, not far from Wan Chai. From Admiralty Tower to the Wan’an Group building, it was less than a kilometer.
After hanging up, Lin Haoran drove directly to Wan’an Group’s headquarters.
The Wan’an Group building was a 13-story commercial building, and the entire property belonged to the company.
Although it was his first time coming here after transmigrating, the fusion of memories made everything feel familiar to him.
The building had been standing for more than ten years. When he was young, Lin Haoran often came here to play.
He parked the car in the open parking area outside the building and walked in with Li Weiguo and Li Weidong.
“Chairman Lin!”
“Good afternoon, Chairman Lin!”
“Chairman Lin, you’re even more handsome today!”
“Chairman Lin, do you have a girlfriend?”
…
As soon as he appeared, employees greeted him enthusiastically. Some playful female staff even teased him.
Lin Haoran responded with a gentle smile and nods, displaying humility and approachability.
Behind him, Li Weiguo and Li Weidong were stunned by the scene.
They had never seen anything like this before. To them, the young master looked truly imposing and influential.
Although Wan’an Group was a listed company, it was essentially a family business. The Lin family owned more than 50% of the shares, and outside shareholders had little influence.
After reaching adulthood, Lin Haoran had been given a nominal position as a director on the board, just like his elder brother Lin Haoning.
That was why employees called him “Chairman Lin.”
Relatively speaking, Lin Haoning, being older and more experienced, held far greater authority within the company.
If it had been the old Lin Haoran, no matter how hard he tried, he would have inevitably lost this competition.
But now, things were different—he was full of confidence in winning.
The elevator stopped on the 12th floor of the Wan’an Group building.
This was where the chairman’s office was located.
“Dad, I’m here. Let me introduce you—these two are my newly hired bodyguards. They’re much stronger than Lin Yi and the others.”
As he entered the chairman’s office, Lin Haoran immediately introduced them.
Lin Wan’an was 63 years old, his hair as white as snow.
Although this age was not considered truly old, his health had deteriorated significantly in recent years.
He suffered from memory decline, hearing loss, and even weakened vascular function.
Sometimes he experienced a slowed heart rate and faint pulse.
Hospital examinations had revealed that his heart function was gradually failing and could no longer maintain normal blood circulation.
This was why he felt his condition worsening day by day.
Perhaps one day, he would simply pass away.
Because of this, he felt an urgent need to select a successor for the group.
He had two sons, but Wan’an Group only had one future leader—there could not be two successors.
Just like in ancient monarchies, there could only be one crown prince.
Lin Wan’an first asked Li Weiguo and Li Weidong to wait outside the door.
Then he gently pulled Lin Haoran aside and said solemnly:
“Haoran, you must be careful. These two men have unknown backgrounds. How could you so easily make them your personal bodyguards? Security is no small matter—you must handle it with caution.”
Lin Haoran already knew that Lin Yi and the others must have said something behind his back.
“Dad, don’t worry. After spending these few days with them, I’ve developed a deep understanding of their backgrounds and personalities. More importantly, I once saved them at a critical moment—that kindness alone is enough to prove their loyalty and gratitude.
As the saying goes, ‘Trust those you employ, and do not doubt them; doubt those you employ, and do not use them.’ I understand this principle.
Besides, I’ve already grown up. I know how to weigh pros and cons and handle matters properly. Please trust me. I will take care of it.”
Lin Wan’an looked at him in shock, disbelief filling his eyes.
He had not expected his younger son to respond with such confidence and clarity.
This was completely different from the obedient boy who always followed his instructions without question.
This sudden maturity and independence filled Lin Wan’an with mixed emotions—deep relief, and also a hint of surprise.
The son he had always protected like a treasure had quietly grown up, learning to think independently and handle matters on his own.
“Haoran… you’ve finally grown up,” Lin Wan’an said emotionally, his eyes filled with relief.
From his memories, Lin Haoran already knew how deeply this father doted on him.
Because of that, he also held great respect and admiration for him.
“Dad, please rest assured. My four years of overseas study were not wasted. To be honest, regarding the competition for succession with my brother, I believe I can win.”
Lin Haoran smiled confidently.
“Haoran, I’ve already heard about Huafeng Cement Factory. Your priority now is to stabilize its performance. As for the succession issue, set it aside for now.
Even if your brother ultimately becomes the heir of Wan’an Group, I will not let you suffer.
I will ensure you have a stable shareholding in the company and protect your interests.
As for assets outside the group, I will also arrange enough for you to live a comfortable life—without worries for the rest of your days.”
It was clear that Lin Wan’an did not believe Lin Haoran could win this competition.
(End of Chapter)
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