Chapter 878
Never reveal all your cards at once!
Chapter 878 Never reveal all your cards at once!
Lin Haoran valued Zhang Zhongmou not only for his talent, but also for his connections in the semiconductor industry!
The most important reason why TSMC was able to develop was Zhang Zhongmou's connections in the semiconductor industry, which made his business run very smoothly.
This is something many people can't match.
Seeing that his boss had made up his mind and had thought things through, Ma Shimin said no more.
He asked, "So, boss, when do you plan to go to the United States?"
“Since it’s already decided, let’s set off after the third day of the Lunar New Year. Don’t make this public; I’ll go to the United States secretly. After we finish talking, I’ll go straight back to Hong Kong,” Lin Haoran said directly.
His current identity is too sensitive, especially given the events of the past few months, which have greatly increased his influence even in the United States. Once news of his personal trip to the United States spreads, it will inevitably attract the attention and speculation of various forces.
In particular, those stakeholders involved in the Forbes incident may even raise concerns among certain U.S. departments, which would be extremely detrimental to his private contact with Zhang Zhongmou and his in-depth, highly confidential talks.
Zhang Zhongmou's identity is no simple matter; he is the third-in-command at the American giant Texas Instruments!
Lin Haoran's purpose in meeting the other party was easily guessed by others.
At that time, there might be various obstacles.
Therefore, going secretly and making a quick decision is the best strategy.
Ma Shimin immediately understood: "Understood, boss. I will first arrange a meeting with Mr. Zhang Zhongmou in my own name. I presume that even if he has no interest in joining us, he will agree to the meeting out of respect for us. Let's schedule the meeting for January 29th, how about that?"
On January 29th, which is the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, if Lin Haoran had set off on the third day of the Lunar New Year, he would indeed have been in the United States by then.
"Okay, let's decide on that then!" Lin Haoran nodded and said.
Since it was a secret trip, he certainly couldn't have gone there in his own name.
However, this is not a difficult problem. He has multiple identities, so he can just use any one of them when the time comes.
In the early 80s, when technology was not very advanced, cross-border identity verification was far less rigorous than it would be in later years.
For someone like Lin Haoran, who possesses vast resources and networks, using a meticulously prepared, seemingly flawless "backup identity" for a secret trip is not difficult.
He had long ago prepared multiple legally valid identities and corresponding travel documents in different jurisdictions through complex offshore arrangements and reliable partners, just in case.
Moreover, he traveled to the United States on a private plane, which made things even more convenient.
Private jets offer a high degree of privacy and flexibility, with route applications and immigration procedures arranged through special channels, minimizing official records and outside attention.
The crew and service team are all absolutely reliable individuals who have undergone rigorous screening and background checks, and their loyalty is beyond question.
"You arrange the identity and itinerary to ensure everything goes smoothly," Lin Haoran instructed Ma Shimin. "Use my previous identity as a Hong Kong businessman, 'Lin Wenxuan.' That identity has a clean background, with genuine entry and exit records and traces of business activities, and can withstand general verification."
Flight route applications and entry procedures were also handled in the name of 'Lin Wenxuan'.
"Understood, boss! I'll go arrange it then," Ma Shimin said respectfully.
"Okay, go ahead. Oh, by the way, on New Year's Eve, I'll be hosting a banquet for all of you members of the Galactic Strategic Committee at Shi Xundao Villa. Remember to come!" Lin Haoran said after thinking for a moment.
"Yes, boss!" Ma Shimin smiled and nodded in agreement.
He knew that this was a reflection of the boss's trust in and cohesion of the core team, and also the last important internal gathering before the Spring Festival.
After Ma Shimin left, Lin Haoran leaned back in his high-backed chair, gazing at the view of Hong Kong outside the window, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
Inviting Zhang Zhongmou was Oracle Semiconductor's most crucial move, one that could not be missed.
This secret trip to the United States was not only to successfully persuade Zhang Zhongmou, but also to ensure that the entire process left no room for the enemy to exploit.
After all, he knew that besides him, there was another group of people who were also after Zhang Zhongmou, and that was the people in Taiwan.
Moreover, he had read about Zhang Zhongmou's life in his previous life, and those big shots in Taiwan had been inviting him to Taiwan since 1982.
However, Zhang Zhongmou did not accept the first invitation.
The following year, after seeing no opportunities for promotion at Texas Instruments, Zhang Zhongmou eventually chose to leave. Soon after, he joined General Instrument Corporation as president.
However, after working at General Instrument for more than a year, he ultimately chose to leave again.
In 1985, Taiwan invited Chang Chung-mou again, and this time, Chang Chung-mou accepted.
Two years later, in 1987, the renowned TSMC was born, thus beginning a legendary chapter in the global semiconductor foundry industry.
What Lin Haoran needs to do now is to seize the opportunity before Taiwan makes its first contact with Zhang Zhongmou, and within this crucial window of time, use a stronger appeal, a clearer vision, and greater strength to intercept the deal ahead of time!
Otherwise, once Taiwan comes into contact with Zhang Zhongmou, the other party will definitely be even more conflicted and find it difficult to make a choice.
At that time, it will definitely be more difficult to extend an invitation.
Therefore, this matter should be addressed sooner rather than later!
Two more days have passed in the blink of an eye.
Today is January 24, 1982, which is also Lunar New Year's Eve!
The streets and alleys of Hong Kong are already filled with a festive atmosphere.
Red lanterns were hung in the streets and alleys, and Spring Festival couplets and the character "福" (good fortune) were pasted up. The air was filled with the aroma of New Year's goods and festive music.
People buying New Year's goods beamed with smiles, and children chased and played, looking forward to lucky money and a sumptuous New Year's Eve dinner.
By evening, the Shi Xunda Lin family villa was brightly lit, bustling with activity and filled with joy.
Ma Shimin, Cui Zilong, Wei Li, Burton, He Shanheng, Chen Shulin, and others were already drinking tea and chatting in the hall.
Not only that, but Fok Kin-ning, who had just returned to Hong Kong from Japan on a short vacation, also appeared here.
This subordinate general is now qualified to join the Galactic Strategic Committee and become a member of the committee.
However, this matter will have to wait until he is transferred back to the headquarters of Hong Kong Land before we can make any further plans.
Huo Jianning was flattered to see that all the other invitees besides himself were heads of their respective groups, and he also felt the great trust and expectations that his boss, Lin Haoran, had for him.
He knew that being invited at this time and in this setting meant that his importance in his boss's eyes had reached a new level.
Besides the heads of these major groups under their umbrella, Lin's father, mother, Lin Haoning and his wife, nephew, two older sisters and brothers-in-law, several nephews and so on, all came here.
When your wealth and status reach a certain level, everyone, including your family, will revolve around you.
Today, Lin Haoran is not only the undisputed pillar of the Lin family, but also a business tycoon in Hong Kong and even the world.
On New Year's Eve, the family should have gone back to Mr. and Mrs. Lin's home, which is the Deep Water Bay villa.
However, since he needed to entertain these key subordinates tonight, Lin Haoran simply decided to hold the family dinner at the Shi Xun Road villa as well.
The hall was filled with the aroma of fine tea and a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere.
The children had all gone to the yard to play with firecrackers. The nearly 1,000-square-meter backyard garden was enough for these children to indulge in their childlike innocence. The sounds of firecrackers and laughter could be faintly heard, adding to the festive atmosphere.
With bodyguards protecting the courtyard, there shouldn't be any problems.
The adults, however, split into several groups and chatted happily.
Lin Haoran's fiancée Guo Xiaohan, his two older sisters and sister-in-law were chatting with Lin's mother in the side hall, and warm laughter could be heard from time to time.
Lin Wan'an, the father, sat on the sofa on the other side with several of his older sons-in-law and his steady eldest son, Lin Haoning, chatting about current events and the economy. Occasionally, he would glance at the "core circle" in the center of the hall, which was led by Lin Haoran.
In the center of the hall, Lin Haoran was surrounded by Ma Shimin, Cui Zilong, Wei Li, Burton, He Shanheng, Chen Shulin, Huo Jianning and others, some sitting and some standing, forming an invisible core.
Although the topics discussed here are less serious than usual due to the holiday, they still revolve around the group's current situation and future, and the atmosphere is harmonious and full of energy.
Despite being the absolute center, Lin Haoran showed no arrogance whatsoever.
He listened attentively to everyone's remarks with a smile, occasionally interjecting with insightful comments that always hit the nail on the head or sparked deeper reflection.
He first inquired about Fok Kin-ning's life in Japan, asking in detail about the specific situation of the real estate business expansion in Tokyo and Osaka, the local competition encountered, and some difficulties, demonstrating his in-depth understanding and attention to front-line business.
“Jenning, the Japanese market has high barriers to entry, and it is very difficult for you to open up the market in such a short time. I am very satisfied.”
You will return from Japan this July to take over Mr. Ma's position at Hongkong Land Group.
"And Mr. Ma should take good care of the affairs of the Galaxy Strategic Committee!" Lin Haoran said with a smile, directly setting the timeline for Huo Jianning's future.
Huo Jianning was thrilled. Taking over Ma Shimin's position at Hongkong Land Group meant that he would become the president of Hongkong Land Group, the true leader of the group, and no longer just a branch manager!
This trust and high regard filled him with immense emotion.
Although these things have been decided long ago, the timing has not yet been determined.
Only now has it truly been confirmed.
He quickly stood up, his voice trembling slightly: "Boss! I will definitely live up to your expectations and do my best to do my job well. In addition, I will also do my best to train the successor of the Japanese branch!"
"Sit down, Jianning. Everyone has witnessed your abilities. Keep up the good work." Lin Haoran smiled and waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. His tone was calm yet full of strength.
The others present cast congratulatory and friendly glances at Huo Jianning.
When Fok Kin-ning is promoted to president of Hongkong Land Group, he will be at the same level as them.
Lin Haoran owns numerous businesses, but his main groups are limited to a few. With the coordination of the Galaxy Strategic Committee, everyone cooperates in terms of resources, forming a healthy and vibrant ecosystem.
Ma Shimin smiled and said to Huo Jianning, "Jianning, I have complete confidence in you handling the Land Group. You are steady and decisive, and I'm sure you can lead Land Group to even greater heights. Let's communicate more about the committee in the future." This important personnel arrangement was announced casually at the New Year's Eve family dinner, which not only demonstrated Lin Haoran's trust in people and his decisiveness, but also further consolidated the stability of the core team and the succession of positions.
Everyone felt a sense of awe, realizing that their boss was skilled at managing his subordinates, had a clear system of rewards and punishments, and had a bright future ahead of him.
Next, Lin Haoran turned to Wei Li and Chen Shulin to inquire about the latest developments of Hutchison Whampoa's port business in Southeast Asia, as well as the long-term plans of Hong Kong Electric Group to cope with the growth in Hong Kong's electricity demand.
We discussed with He Shanheng the risk management and localization strategies of Heng Sheng Bank's Southeast Asian branches.
We discussed with Burton how Wanqing Group's building materials division, facing competition from international giants, consolidates its market share through product differentiation and in-depth channel cultivation.
His questions were as professional and precise as ever, demonstrating his thorough understanding of every aspect of the business.
Those in leadership positions report diligently and enjoy exchanging ideas with their bosses and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.
After they had finished talking, Lin Haoran turned his gaze to a spot not far away.
"Daddy, Big Brother, and both brothers-in-law, come sit down and have a chat!" Lin Haoran called out to them.
The group exchanged glances, nodded, and came over together.
They knew Lin Haoran and his men were discussing important matters, so they all tacitly refrained from disturbing them.
Upon hearing Lin Haoran's greeting, knowing that it was time for Lin Haoning, his two brothers-in-law, and Lin Haoran's core team to integrate and communicate, they all stood up with smiles and came over.
The initially somewhat crowded inner circle expanded a bit with the addition of several family members, but the atmosphere became even more harmonious and congenial.
As the father and a family elder, Lin Wan'an naturally sat next to Lin Haoran.
The eldest brother, Lin Haoning, and his two brothers-in-law also took their seats.
In recent years, with the help of Lin Haoran, the eldest brother Lin Haoning and his two brothers-in-law have successively entered the top fifty of Hong Kong's rich list.
The saying "when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven" perfectly describes their current situation.
Among them, Lin Haoning even reached 15th place, and his Wanfeng Group has become one of the major conglomerates in Hong Kong.
Both brothers-in-law received Lin Haoran's support and started their own businesses independently from their respective families. Now they are quite wealthy.
Their achievements today are certainly inseparable from their own efforts, but the capital, connections, and crucial guidance provided by Lin Haoran undoubtedly played a decisive role.
Therefore, in addition to kinship, they felt a deep respect and gratitude for Lin Haoran, their younger brother and brother-in-law.
A few years ago, the relationship between Lin Haoning and Lin Haoran, brothers, plummeted to its lowest point as they fought for the inheritance of Wan'an Group.
But now, Lin Haoning's gaze towards Lin Haoran is filled only with pride and gratitude.
If it weren't for this younger brother, the Lin family would have been nothing more than a small, barely established wealthy family in Hong Kong, and would never have achieved its current prosperity.
With the Lin family's wealth a few years ago, they wouldn't have made it into the top 50 of Hong Kong's rich list; they'd be lucky to even make it into the top 200.
Today, the Lin family is the most powerful family in Hong Kong!
The last lingering resentment in his heart had long been melted away by Lin Haoran's magnanimity and achievements.
“Dad, Big Brother, Brothers-in-law, we’re all family here. Let’s take this opportunity to exchange ideas and see if there’s anything we can do to cooperate and complement each other,” Lin Haoran said in a relaxed tone, personally pouring his father a cup of hot tea.
“Yes, Mr. Lin, Brother Haoning, and Mr. Zhu and Mr. Wu, it’s rare to have everyone gathered together like this.” Ma Shimin replied with a smile.
He had followed Lin Haoran the longest and knew how much his boss valued his family, which made his words more intimate.
For a moment, business exchanges and family affection blended harmoniously in the entire hall.
Lin Haoran's core team is no longer just subordinates, but an indispensable pillar of his business empire.
Today, thanks to Lin Haoran's connections, a bridge of mutual trust and cooperation has been built between Lin Haoran and members of the Lin family.
Lin Haoning, Ma Shimin, Wei Li, and others conducted a more detailed discussion on specific cooperation directions;
The two brothers-in-law also exchanged business cards and preliminary intentions with He Shanheng, Burton and others who were in charge of different fields.
Lin Wan'an listened and watched, his heart filled with emotion and pride. He occasionally chimed in, offering a few words of advice based on his experience as an elder, which was well received.
As night deepened, the butler came over and whispered to ask if the New Year's Eve dinner was ready.
The group moved to the banquet hall, which was decorated in a magnificent style and filled with festive cheer.
The enormous round table could accommodate everyone, the tableware gleamed, and in the center were ornate bonsai and artworks symbolizing good fortune.
The people sat down in order.
One after another, the carefully prepared dishes were served by the servants, their aroma filling the air.
Lin Haoran raised his glass again, this time a pure family toast: "On New Year's Eve, we stay up late and reunite. Thank you to my parents for raising me, thank you to my older brothers, sisters and brothers-in-law for your continued support, and thank you to all my colleagues here. We are not only business partners, but also family in life."
May the Lin family enjoy good health and prosperity in the new year, and may our shared endeavors achieve even greater success! Happy New Year everyone!
"Happy New Year!" Everyone raised their glasses, whether they were filled with red wine, white wine or juice, all radiating the same joy and blessings.
After the banquet, Ma Shimin, He Shanheng and others left one after another, as they also needed to go back to reunite with their families.
Meanwhile, his parents, older brother, brother-in-law, and others stayed behind.
Since the family was rarely able to gather together like this, they stayed in the living room to celebrate the New Year and chat.
The children played quiet games in the side room under the care of the nanny, while the adults sat together, enjoying this rare and pure family time.
Although Guo Xiaohan has not officially married into the Lin family, everyone already considers her a member of the Lin family.
The sound of firecrackers outside the window gradually subsided, replaced by TVB's Spring Festival Gala program.
Under the warm light, the family enjoyed a happy time together.
During this time, Lin Haoran's mobile phone rang almost non-stop. Every few minutes, political and business tycoons would call to wish Lin Haoran, Hong Kong's richest man, a Happy New Year.
The callers included Governor MacLehose, shipping magnate Li Ka-shing, Swire Group Chairman Schwyatt, Wheelock Chairman John Madden, and even the chairman of Citibank, who was far away in the United States.
Although the Spring Festival is not a Western holiday, Walter Riston, chairman of Citigroup, as an important financial partner of Lin Haoran, knows the importance of this Eastern business tycoon to Citigroup and will naturally not miss this opportunity to strengthen their relationship.
On the phone, Riston spoke with a New York accent, his tone warm yet respectful: "Mr. Lin, Happy New Year!"
Although we don't celebrate the Lunar New Year, I must extend my sincerest blessings to you.
We have had a very pleasant collaboration over the past year, and we look forward to Citibank continuing to provide the strongest financial support for your global business expansion in the new year.
Lin Haoran smiled and replied in fluent English: "Thank you, Walter, and I wish you all the best in the new year."
I am also part of Citibank, and our cooperation will only deepen.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Lin Haoran hung up the phone and smiled helplessly at his family: "It seems that even staying up all night in peace and quiet isn't easy."
Lin Wan'an sighed, "This shows that your status is different now. Even major American bankers are taking the initiative to come and wish you a Happy New Year. However, Haoran, the more this happens, the more careful you should be. The bigger the tree, the more the wind will blow against you."
"Don't worry, Daddy, I understand." Lin Haoran nodded.
He was well aware that he was now in the spotlight and that his every move could be magnified and interpreted, which was one of the reasons why he had to go to the United States in secret.
Similarly, this is also the biggest reason why he hid his wealth.
Lin Haoran's guiding principle is to never reveal all his cards to others.
The wealth listed on Hong Kong's rich list is only a portion of his wealth empire that he is willing to display to the public.
Another enormous portion of assets has long been dispersed around the world through investments by Global Investment Company, as well as layers of offshore trusts, cross-shareholdings, and covert investments. It is difficult to estimate and no one can see the whole picture.
This is key to his ability to combat risks and maintain the initiative.
The eldest brother, Lin Haoning, and his two brothers-in-law were deeply shocked by what they saw.
Although they are considered successful businessmen in Hong Kong, the privilege of having the head of a top American financial institution personally call to extend New Year's greetings is something they can hardly achieve at present.
This gave them a more direct understanding of Lin Haoran's power.
Guo Xiaohan listened quietly to her fiancé as he calmly handled the calls from these international dignitaries, her eyes sparkling with admiration and pride.
She knew that the man she had chosen was a true trendsetter at the forefront of the times.
In the hall, the clock struck twelve.
Suddenly, the fireworks outside exploded in a dense, deafening roar, turning the night sky into a magnificent ocean of color.
Cheers of the New Year countdown could be heard on the television.
Compared to New Year's Day, the Spring Festival is clearly the most important time for Chinese people to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new.
Hong Kong, a predominantly Chinese city, seemed to be in an uproar at this moment.
"Happy New Year!" Everyone in the Lin family's living room cheered in unison, hugging and wishing each other a Happy New Year.
Lin Haoran embraced his parents, siblings, and fiancée, receiving blessings from his loved ones.
At this moment, the ambition of the business empire temporarily takes a backseat, and deep family affection and good wishes for the new year fill the heart.
(End of this chapter)