Chapter 104: Dividing the Family Fortune
As far as the matter of the family heir was concerned, the outcome had already been decided the moment Lin Haoran officially became the chairman of Qingzhou Yingni. From that point onward, there was no longer any suspense.
However, there were still more than six months remaining before the agreed one-year period expired, so Lin Haoran had never expected his elder brother to admit defeat voluntarily ahead of time.
After Lin Wan'an finished speaking, the study fell into silence.
Lin Haoran himself showed little excitement upon having his inheritance rights formally confirmed. His expression remained as calm as ever. Ever since he had transmigrated into this world, he had already known that the position of heir was destined to become his.
Lin Haoning, on the other hand, could not hide the disappointment on his face. His regret and unwillingness over failing to achieve his goal were evident in every subtle expression.
Seeing this, Lin Wan'an broke the silence with the gentle tone of a loving father.
"Since the three of us are gathered here today, and the competition for the position of heir has come to an early conclusion, I'd like to take this opportunity to reorganize and redistribute our family's businesses and assets. That way, the future development of our family can be even more stable and harmonious."
Divide the family assets?
At those words, both Lin Haoran and Lin Haoning instinctively looked toward their father.
Neither of them had expected this sudden proposal.
However, neither raised any objection.
Especially Lin Haoran.
Since he had accepted the identity of this body's original owner, he naturally hoped his father could retire and properly take care of his health.
If Lin Wan'an continued managing the Wan'an Group day and night while constantly attending business banquets, his health would inevitably collapse within another two or three years.
Retiring early might actually allow him to recover gradually.
"Dad, please arrange everything as you see fit," Lin Haoning was the first to speak.
"No matter what decision you make, I'll accept it unconditionally without any complaints."
Lin Haoran smiled as well.
"Dad, I fully support your decision to retire from the Wan'an Group early."
"Please don't worry."
"I'll do everything I can to lead the Wan'an Group toward an even brighter future and never let you down."
Lin Wan'an nodded with satisfaction.
"I've already thought carefully about how to divide the family assets, and I've made a detailed plan."
"First, let me explain our family's current financial situation."
"In the Wan'an Group, I personally own 49.99% of the shares."
"Your mother also owns 10%."
"Beyond that, over the years we've accumulated considerable wealth through operating the Wan'an Group."
"Part of it was invested in Wanfeng Fan Factory and Huafeng Cement Factory."
"Another portion was invested in Fengxiang Commercial Building in Sheung Wan as a rental property."
"We also own 50% of Wanhe Hotel in Yau Ma Tei."
"In addition, under my personal name, I own a piece of land of more than 50,000 square feet near Lam Tin in Kwun Tong."
"All of these assets are completely separate from the Wan'an Group."
"Last month, I also purchased 12.6% of Qingzhou Yingni's shares from its former chairman."
"As for liquid assets..."
"I currently have over HK$38 million in cash."
"Of course, I also have several smaller investments, but I won't go into them one by one."
"As for Huafeng Cement Factory and Wanfeng Fan Factory..."
"I've already allocated those between the two of you previously, so there's no need to repeat it today."
"Now let me explain your respective inheritances."
"Haoning..."
"You will receive your mother's 10% shareholding in the Wan'an Group..."
"...Fengxiang Commercial Building in Sham Shui Po..."
"...our shares in Wanhe Hotel..."
"...the land in Lam Tin, Kwun Tong..."
"...and HK$20 million in cash."
"As for you, Haoran..."
"You will inherit my 49.99% stake in the Wan'an Group..."
"...the 12.6% shareholding in Qingzhou Yingni..."
"...and HK$10 million in cash."
"As for your mother and me..."
"We'll keep the remaining HK$8 million for our retirement."
"Together with our smaller investments and this villa, that's more than enough for us to enjoy our later years."
"So you don't need to worry about us."
"This is my proposed division of the family assets."
"Do either of you have any opinions or suggestions?"
After speaking, Lin Wan'an looked warmly at his two sons.
"Dad, I completely agree with your arrangements."
Lin Haoning answered solemnly.
"I don't have any objections either."
"I think this distribution is very reasonable."
Lin Haoran smiled.
Deep inside, however, he was secretly astonished.
He had never expected his father to possess such enormous personal wealth.
Its total value was almost comparable to—or perhaps even exceeded—the market value of the Wan'an Group itself.
He quickly understood why.
His father had always been someone who clearly separated public and private interests while acting with great caution.
As chairman of the Wan'an Group, Lin Wan'an understood that once the company became publicly listed, it no longer belonged solely to him.
It belonged to all shareholders.
Therefore, he had always maintained a strict separation between his personal assets and the company's assets.
Thanks to the Wan'an Group's steady growth over many years, it was only natural that he had accumulated such tremendous personal wealth.
As for Lin Haoning...
Although he had failed to obtain control of the Wan'an Group, the assets he received were still extraordinarily valuable.
It was obvious that Lin Wan'an had divided everything fairly.
Not to mention anything else—
Fengxiang Commercial Building alone, located in Sham Shui Po, was worth over HK$30 million.
That alone demonstrated its tremendous value.
Clearly, this arrangement was the result of careful consideration by a father.
Of course...
As the heir to the Wan'an Group, Lin Haoran naturally enjoyed far greater advantages.
He also had no objection to his father giving 10% of the Wan'an Group's shares to his elder brother.
After all, although Lin Haoning had lost control of the company, he was still a member of the family—and the eldest legitimate son.
Receiving some shares was only fair.
Besides...
With 49.99% of the shares in his own hands, Lin Haoran's controlling position could no longer be threatened.
At most, Lin Haoning would merely become a director with little actual authority on the board.
Furthermore...
His father had also given him the 12.6% stake in Green Island Cement that had been purchased from Khalil Centurion.
That showed remarkable foresight.
After all, Green Island Cement had never had anything to do with Lin Haoning.
By giving those shares to Lin Haoran, his father had enabled him to begin taking the company private in the future.
Obviously...
The moment Lin Wan'an decided to use his own private funds to purchase those Green Island Cement shares, he had already planned this arrangement.
It was his way of ensuring that Lin Haoran would have complete control over Green Island Cement.
As long as Lin Haoran wasn't willing to sell...
No one else would ever have a chance to acquire the company.
However, because of his current financial situation, Lin Haoran could only temporarily postpone his privatization plan until the right opportunity arrived.
"Since neither of you has any objections..."
"Then we'll settle it this way."
"Haoran..."
"Starting tomorrow, you'll begin learning how to manage the company alongside me."
"I'll continue teaching you until I'm confident you can stand on your own."
"Only then will I be able to entrust the Wan'an Group to you with peace of mind."
"This company represents my life's work."
"I don't ask that you make it unimaginably glorious."
"I only hope you'll continue developing it steadily."
"That alone will satisfy me."
Lin Wan'an looked at Lin Haoran with great expectation.
"Dad, don't worry."
"I'll give it everything I have and never disappoint you."
Lin Haoran answered solemnly.
Lin Wan'an then turned toward his elder son.
"Haoning..."
"I've always had confidence in you."
"Your business ability has long been evident."
"In fact, you have far more business experience than Haoran."
"With the support of the Cao family..."
"I believe that even without inheriting the Wan'an Group..."
"...you'll still be able to build a business empire of your own."
"The future is yours to create."
"I look forward to seeing you forge your own unique path in the business world."
"Yes, Dad."
"I'll remember your teachings."
"I'll work hard and never let down your expectations."
Lin Haoning replied firmly, clenching his fists.
With that...
The family meeting regarding the division of the inheritance officially came to an end.
As Lin Haoning was preparing to leave the villa and head home, Lin Haoran suddenly spoke.
"Big Brother..."
"If you're willing to consider my suggestion..."
"You might want to expand Wanfeng Fan Company's business into the North American market."
"The market potential there is no less than the Middle East."
"It may even be greater."
North America's market was simply too enormous.
Aimeigao alone could never satisfy all of it.
If Lin Haoning was willing to trust him, Lin Haoran didn't mind helping his elder brother make a fortune as well.
Lin Haoning looked surprised.
He thought about it for a moment before smiling.
"Haoran..."
"I'll seriously consider your suggestion."
"Thank you, brother."
After saying goodbye to his parents, Lin Haoning hurriedly drove away from the Deep Water Bay villa, clearly intending to discuss the family's future plans with his wife.
Although failing to inherit the Wan'an Group was disappointing...
With the inheritance his father had given him and his own abilities...
He firmly believed he could still carve out his own place in the business world.
Lin Haoran remained at the villa.
Together with his father, he continued discussing the Wan'an Group's operations and future development plans.
After all...
From this day onward...
The Wan'an Group would become his company.
Listening to his father's explanations, Lin Haoran gained a much deeper understanding of the business.
Although the Wan'an Group's market capitalization was currently only slightly above HK$100 million, making it seem rather ordinary...
Its actual assets, calculated at market value, were worth no less than HK$250 million.
That was the result of decades of steady operation and careful accumulation.
Lin Wan'an had always adhered to a conservative business philosophy.
Because of that...
The Wan'an Group maintained a relatively low profile in the stock market.
It lacked the publicity enjoyed by more aggressive companies.
As a result, investor attention remained limited.
Trading volume was low.
And its share price remained undervalued.
That was the real reason the Wan'an Group's stock price had stayed depressed for so long.
Yet...
This very conservatism was also proof of the company's strength and stability.
Like a lion quietly gathering strength...
It was merely waiting for the right moment to display its true power.
The more Lin Haoran learned about the Wan'an Group...
The more confident he became about its future.
He had already known that the company's debt ratio was extremely low.
But only now did he discover from his father that...
The Wan'an Group had absolutely no debt whatsoever.
In the highly volatile and risky real estate industry...
Such financial health was extraordinarily rare.
Unfortunately...
His father had managed the company far too conservatively over the years.
Otherwise...
Given the Wan'an Group's solid foundation...
It would have long since become one of Hong Kong's true real estate giants.
(End of Chapter)
✨ Love this novel?
Visit my Patreon for fast access and advanced chapters! patreon.com/BbingTranslations Thank you for your support.❤️
Comments
Post a Comment