Chapter 40: One Hundred Million in Debt—The Pressure Is Immense
"Well, my dear nephew, what a rare visitor. You're back again so soon. What brings you here this time?" Ho Sin Hang asked warmly in the tone of an elder.
Lin Haoran calmly took a seat and smiled.
"Uncle Ho, I'm here for the same reason as last time—to apply for another loan."
Ho Sin Hang raised an eyebrow, speaking half-jokingly and half-seriously.
"Oh? Don't tell me you're planning to use stocks as collateral again?"
Lin Haoran burst into laughter.
"Uncle Ho, you're as perceptive as ever. That's exactly what I intend to do."
With that, he took out the share certificates for 2.5 million shares of Qingzhou Yingni from his briefcase and handed them over.
"Uncle He, I'd like to use these shares as collateral for another HK$15 million loan from Hang Seng Bank. What do you think?"
Although the current market value of the 2.5 million shares was still somewhat short of HK$15 million, the gap wasn't significant.
Given the influence and reputation of the Lin family, obtaining the loan was still entirely possible.
Ho Sin Hang accepted the share certificates, carefully examining them. As he read through the documents, his brows gradually furrowed.
Setting the certificates down, he spoke earnestly.
"Haoran, for the sake of my long friendship with your father, I could certainly consider approving a HK$15 million loan with these shares as collateral. But as your elder, I have a responsibility to remind you that the stock market is unpredictable. Risks are everywhere, and investments should always be made cautiously.
"I assume you used your previous loan to continue buying Qingzhou Yingni shares, which is how you accumulated these holdings. That's a highly leveraged strategy, and it carries even greater risks.
"Qingzhou Yingni does have potential, but it isn't receiving much attention from the market at the moment. Expecting its share price to surge dramatically in the short term is unrealistic.
"When the loan comes due, if you're forced to sell these shares to repay the debt, flooding the market with such a large block of stock could cause severe price fluctuations—perhaps even trigger a collapse.
"So I sincerely hope you'll think this through carefully. Investing is no game. Every decision deserves thorough consideration. I don't want to see you suffer unnecessary losses."
Ho Sin Hang had been close friends with Lin Wan'an for many years. Because of that friendship, he naturally couldn't stand by and watch Lin Haoran potentially walk toward disaster.
Although he desperately wanted to call Lin Wan'an and persuade him to intervene, he remembered the promise he had made during their last meeting—that he would keep the loan confidential. Reluctantly, he suppressed the urge.
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Ho."
Lin Haoran smiled.
"But I've already considered all of those risks and have my own plans in place. No matter what happens, Hang Seng Bank won't lose money, will it?"
Ho Sin Hang sighed.
"Haoran, I understand that you have your own ideas and plans. But every decision should be made with caution. I'm not questioning your ability. I simply hope you've fully assessed the risks and ensured everything remains under control."
"Please don't worry, Uncle Ho."
Lin Haoran spoke sincerely.
"This HK$15 million loan will be the last time I rely on this kind of financing cycle. I understand the importance of credit and responsibility, and I also understand your concerns.
"To be honest, even if Hang Seng Bank refused my application, there are other financial institutions willing to lend me the money.
"But considering the long-standing friendship between our families, along with Hang Seng Bank's professionalism and reliability, I'd still prefer to obtain the loan from you."
Hearing this, Ho Sin Hang nodded gently, his expression softening considerably.
After a moment, he sighed once more.
"Very well, Haoran. Since you've made up your mind, I won't try to persuade you any further. I've said everything I needed to say. Ultimately, your investment decisions are yours alone.
"Remember this—whether you make money or lose money, both are part of life's lessons. Learn from every experience.
"I'll approve this loan. I hope you'll make good use of it and accomplish what you've set out to do."
"Thank you very much for your trust and support, Uncle Ho."
Lin Haoran spoke gratefully.
"I hope this cooperation will be just as pleasant as last time. And, just like before, I'd like to ask you to keep this a secret from my father. Please."
Ho Sin Hang nodded.
"Don't worry. Since I've already promised you once, I'll honor my word. Your father won't hear about this from me.
"But remember—whatever decisions you make, think them through carefully and make sure every step you take is steady and well considered."
Compared to the previous loan, this one proceeded much more efficiently.
Since all the terms were identical to the previous agreement, and as Chairman of Hang Seng Bank, Ho Sin Hang possessed the authority to fast-track the approval process, the HK$15 million loan was processed without delay.
The two quickly signed the necessary contracts, after which Ho Sin Hang directly instructed the finance department to transfer the funds into Lin Haoran's account.
The entire procedure was swift and straightforward.
With the loan secured, a huge burden was lifted from Lin Haoran's shoulders.
After sincerely thanking Ho Sin Hang, he left Hang Seng Bank headquarters in a much lighter mood, ready to carry out the next phase of his plans.
Once the HK$15 million arrived, Lin Haoran's available cash immediately increased to more than HK$31 million, providing powerful support for his investment strategy.
However, this gain came at a heavy cost.
His total outstanding debt had now climbed to HK$95 million.
Including accumulated interest, his liabilities had officially exceeded HK$100 million.
Faced with debts surpassing one hundred million Hong Kong dollars, Lin Haoran undeniably felt unprecedented pressure, as though a massive mountain rested upon his shoulders.
Yet rather than being crushed beneath it, he drew strength from the burden.
Everything was proceeding exactly according to the blueprint he had meticulously planned.
These risks were simply the price he had to pay to achieve far greater ambitions.
If news of this ever became public, many would undoubtedly regard Lin Haoran as nothing more than a reckless gambler.
After all, he had started with nothing more than Huafeng Cement Factory, worth only around HK$10 million, and through repeated leveraged borrowing, had accumulated nearly HK$100 million in debt in just over a month.
To most people, such a move would seem unbelievably reckless—even outright insane.
After leaving Hang Seng Bank headquarters, Lin Haoran didn't return directly to the company.
Instead, he drove to a nearby branch of HSBC Bank.
His purpose was to cash the HK$5 million in HSBC checks given to him by his second and third sisters, then deposit the entire amount into the bank account linked to his stock trading account.
At HSBC, Lin Haoran received a warm reception from a senior manager.
Thanks to the manager's professionalism and efficiency, the entire process of cashing the checks and making the deposit went exceptionally smoothly.
Within just half an hour, all the formalities had been completed.
(End of Chapter)
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