Chapter 903
General Zhang Returns to Hong Kong
Things at Oracle Semiconductor are gradually getting back on track.
With Zhang Zhongmou in charge and Ma Shimin assisting him, Lin Haoran had absolutely no worries.
He returned to his previous leisurely lifestyle.
I would stroll around the Kang Le Building every day, or visit other of its subsidiaries, and the days would pass by quietly.
In the blink of an eye, more than three months have passed, and it's now July.
Today is July 1st.
In early July, the temperature in Hong Kong had already climbed to over 30 degrees Celsius.
A humid sea breeze, carrying a wave of heat, swept in from Victoria Harbour.
Pedestrians hurried along the street, cold drink shops were booming, and advertisements for electric fans and air conditioners were everywhere.
But even hotter than the weather is the Hong Kong business community's attention to Oracle Semiconductor.
For more than three months, the company’s every move has been under media scrutiny.
From the final debugging of the equipment to the expansion of the engineering team and the preparation of the first batch of trial orders, every detail could become a headline in the financial section.
Lin Haoran emerged from the Oracle Building with a satisfied smile on his face.
He had learned from Zhang Zhongmou that Intel's second batch of trial orders had been successfully completed, with a yield rate consistently above 95%.
Motorola's first batch of test orders is in production, NEC's technical integration has been completed, and Philips' factory audit has been passed.
Everything is proceeding according to plan.
It went even more smoothly than planned.
Zhang Zhongmou said that at this rate, the second production line could be started before the end of the year.
Lin Haoran was very satisfied with this.
Since the successful launch, they were surprised to find that it was much easier to source equipment from the United States, Europe, Japan, and other places.
Basically, customs authorities in various countries don't give you much trouble, and the approval process is much faster than expected.
This is precisely why Oracle Semiconductor's progress in perfecting its product is very rapid.
This is certainly not a coincidence.
Lin Haoran knew that the public support from the twelve giants played a crucial role.
Equipment suppliers who were initially skeptical of Hong Kong as a "technological desert" are now seeing real orders and demand.
After seeing that local giants like Intel, Motorola, and NEC were all collaborating with Oracle Semiconductor, regulatory authorities in those countries naturally stopped setting up too many obstacles.
This is the value of influence.
Zhang Zhongmou's technology, combined with Lin Haoran's capital and the endorsement of the twelve giants, constituted a smooth supply chain.
Of course, the US also has other requirements, namely that the equipment exported by the US can only be used in Hong Kong and that it is prohibited to transfer these advanced equipment to the mainland.
This is a specific clause that the U.S. Department of Commerce attaches when approving export licenses.
Lin Haoran was fully aware of this and had been mentally prepared for it.
In the early 1980s, the Cold War had not yet ended, and Western countries maintained a severe technological blockade against the Eastern Bloc.
Although Hong Kong is still a British colony and enjoys certain special treatment, Americans never lower their guard when it comes to cutting-edge technology.
Moreover, this is especially true for a strategic industry like semiconductors.
So when Lin Haoran saw the additional terms on the export license, he just smiled and didn't say anything more.
He could accept the requirement that it could only be used within Hong Kong.
At least, the equipment came in, the production line was built, and the accumulation of technology began.
As for the future, who knows?
Fifteen years from now, Hong Kong will be returned to China.
By then, these devices, these technologies, and these talents will become the city's wealth.
But this city is ultimately Chinese.
Lin Haoran is not someone who likes to talk about patriotism all the time.
But he knew in his heart that the significance of what he was doing was far more than just making money.
In the previous world, how many years was China held back by others in the semiconductor field?
Although he hadn't personally experienced those painful lessons, those helpless sighs, and the frustration of not being able to create something despite having a design, he had a fairly good understanding of them through various news reports.
Now that he has this opportunity and this ability in this life, why doesn't he plan ahead?
Even if it's only ten years or five years in advance, that's still a huge advantage.
Of course, he couldn't say these things to anyone.
He could only bury these thoughts in his heart and silently do what he had to do.
Lin Haoran got into the black bulletproof Rolls-Royce, Li Weiguo closed the door, and Li Weidong started the engine.
"Boss, where to?" Li Weidong asked.
“Kai Tak International Airport,” Lin Haoran replied.
"Yes, boss!" Li Weidong replied, and the Rolls-Royce slowly drove out of the Kwun Tong Industrial Park and headed towards Kai Tak International Airport.
Lin Haoran leaned back in his seat, looking out at the street scene through the car window.
In June, Hong Kong is bathed in scorching sunlight. Pedestrians hurry by with umbrellas in hand, vendors doze off in the shade, and children chase and play in the alley, their laughter ringing out.
Upon seeing this, he smiled slightly.
I'm going to Kai Tak International Airport to pick someone up.
He valued this person highly, and that person was Huo Jianning.
Six months ago, on New Year's Eve, Lin Haoran promised Huo Jianning that he would return from Japan in July to take over as president of Ma Shimin Land Group.
Ma Shimin, on the other hand, served the Galaxy Strategic Committee entirely!
Now that July has arrived, Huo Jianning has returned as promised.
Lin Haoran had high hopes for this young man.
Huo Jianning is a high-achieving graduate of St. John's University in Minnesota. After being invited by Lin Haoran to join the Lin Group, he has already gained experience at Qingzhou Yingni, Hong Kong Electric Group, and Hongkong Land Group's Japanese branch. He is outstanding in ability and quick-witted.
What Lin Haoran valued was not only his professional skills, but also his sharpness and pioneering spirit.
Such a person is suitable to lead a large conglomerate like Hongkong Land.
The reason he personally invited him was naturally because Lin Haoran knew that in another world, he was one of Li Jiacheng's two great generals.
Such a person is naturally not simple.
And indeed, Huo Jianning's performance over the past few years has proven that Lin Haoran's judgment was correct.
Even Ma Shimin said that although Huo Jianning is young, his abilities are no less than his.
Since January 1980, when he followed Lin Haoran to Japan to make arrangements, Huo Jianning has been in charge of Hongkong Land Group's Japanese branch for two and a half years.
In the past two and a half years, Fok Kin-ning has transformed Hongkong Land Group's Japanese branch from nothing into a highly influential company in Tokyo's business community.
He not only successfully acquired several high-quality projects in prime locations such as Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya in Tokyo, but also built a lean local team and established good cooperative relationships with top Japanese conglomerates such as Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo.
What pleased Lin Haoran even more was Huo Jianning's skill in handling relations with his Japanese partners.
The Japanese are meticulous in their work, value trust, and cherish long-term relationships.
Huo Jianning only took a year to impress those discerning Japanese business people.
Today, the number of properties that JKD Group has established in Japan has reached an astonishing figure.
All of this was in preparation for Japan's economic bubble era several years later.
What satisfied Lin Haoran the most was Huo Jianning's terrifying negotiation skills.
In the past two and a half years, Huo Jianning has handled no fewer than thirty projects of varying sizes, and each one has been negotiated successfully. Whether it was the project cooperation with the Mitsui Group in Ginza or the land transaction with the Sumitomo Group in Shinjuku, he was able to accurately grasp the psychology of the other party and offer the most suitable terms at the most appropriate time.
On one occasion, the president of Mitsui Fudosan called Lin Haoran privately and said, "Mr. Lin, your Mr. Huo is truly a talented person."
When he negotiates with us, he always anticipates what questions we might ask and what concerns we might have.
Doing business with him is both easy and pleasant, but in the end, he always manages to find the best balance for both of us.
Lin Haoran just smiled and didn't say anything more.
But he knew in his heart that Huo Jianning's ability was both innate and honed through hard work.
In his past life, he was able to become Li Jiacheng's most trusted person because of this ability.
Now, this person is his.
Moreover, he is about to take the helm of the Hongkong Land Group.
The Rolls-Royce drove through the streets of Kwun Tong and soon arrived at Kai Tak International Airport.
The car drove into the airport's VIP lane and stopped near the tarmac.
After getting off the car, he met Ma Shimin, who had already arrived.
Lin Haoran greeted Ma Shimin, and the two began to chat.
The July sun was even more intense than the June sun, making one's skin feel hot. Li Weiguo held up a black umbrella to shield Lin Haoran from the sun.
Ten minutes later, a Boeing 747 that had flown from Tokyo landed smoothly.
Lin Haoran watched the plane taxi, turn, and slowly approach the tarmac.
The gangway approached, and the hatch opened.
A young man wearing a dark suit and gold-rimmed glasses appeared at the cabin door.
He was tall and slender, with a refined and gentle demeanor, and a warm smile on his face. He spotted Lin Haoran standing next to the car at a glance.
It was Huo Jianning.
He strode down the gangway and walked toward Lin Haoran.
"Boss!" Huo Jianning extended his hand, his voice tinged with excitement, "Long time no see."
Lin Haoran grasped his hand and looked him over with a smile.
"Jianning, you look even more energetic after two and a half years."
Huo Jianning laughed and said, "Boss, you haven't changed at all, you're still so young."
Lin Haoran burst into laughter.
Huo Jianning turned to greet Ma Shimin: "Mr. Ma, thank you for coming to pick me up as well."
In the past two years, although Huo Jianning has been in Japan, he has learned a lot from Ma Shimin about how to handle some difficult problems.
Ma Shimin never holds back his knowledge. Whenever Huo Jianning encounters a difficult problem, he can call Ma Shimin, who will patiently analyze the situation and offer suggestions.
Even when faced with difficult problems, Ma Shimin would personally go to Japan to oversee the situation.
It can be said that Fok Kin-ning and Simon Murray's relationship is now that of both mentor and friend!
Ma Shimin patted Huo Jianning on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Jianning, congratulations! From now on, you are the president of the Landmark Group, and no longer just the president of the Japanese branch!"
Upon hearing this, Huo Jianning looked at Ma Shimin with a solemn expression and said earnestly, "Mr. Ma, the position of president of the Landmark Group is an empire that you built single-handedly."
I, Huo Jianning, am able to take over this project by standing on the shoulders of giants. If there's anything I do poorly in the future, please offer your guidance.
Ma Shimin waved his hand and laughed, "Alright, alright, don't be so polite. I've seen your performance in Japan over the past two and a half years. I'm at ease leaving Landmark in your hands."
Besides, I'll be focusing on the Galaxy Strategic Committee's work from now on, and I'll have plenty of time to deal with you. After you take over the Land Group, you'll also become a member of the Galaxy Strategic Committee, so we'll still be on the same side!
The three chatted and laughed as they got into the car.
The Rolls-Royce slowly drove out of the airport and headed towards Central.
Half an hour later, the car stopped in the underground parking lot of the Kang Le Building.
I took the elevator up to the 51st floor.
The three entered the president's office of Hongkong Land Group. Huo Jianning looked at the view of Hong Kong outside the oval window and was momentarily dazed.
The Hong Kong Recreation Building has 51 floors, making it one of the tallest office buildings in Hong Kong.
From here, you can see the entire Victoria Harbour, the skyscrapers of Central and even Tsim Sha Tsui standing side by side, and the lush greenery of the northern part of the Kowloon Peninsula in the distance.
Sunlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, making the entire office bright and warm.
From now on, this office will be his.
Huo Jianning stood by the window, looking down at the bustling city below, and a feeling of indescribable emotion welled up in his heart.
He remembered that his first visit to the Kang Le Building was three years ago.
At that time, he was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Hong Kong Electric Group.
In the blink of an eye, three years have passed. He went from being the CFO of Ching Chau Ying Ni to the CFO of HK Electric Group, and then to the President of Hongkong Land's Japan branch. Now he is about to become the helmsman of Hongkong Land, a Hong Kong real estate giant.
All of this happened so fast that he was somewhat dazed.
"Jianning," Lin Haoran's voice sounded from behind, "doesn't it feel like a dream?"
Huo Jianning turned around, looked at Lin Haoran, and nodded seriously.
"Boss, to be honest, sometimes I feel like I'm dreaming. Three years ago, I was still in that small office at HK Electric, looking at the financial statements every day, thinking about how to reduce costs and increase profits."
I never imagined I'd be standing here, looking down over the whole of Hong Kong.
Lin Haoran walked to the window and stood next to him, looking at the scenery outside.
“I had the same feeling when I first stood here. I had just acquired Hong Kong Land not long ago. Standing on the 51st floor of the Connaught Building, looking out at Hong Kong, I wondered what this city would be like in the future?” Lin Haoran said with some emotion.
Huo Jianning listened to Lin Haoran's sentiments and couldn't help but feel a ripple in his heart.
He turned his head and looked at his boss, who was even younger than him, and a complex emotion welled up inside him.
If you were to ask who he admires most, it would definitely be Lin Haoran.
In recent years, Lin Haoran's rise to power has been nothing short of phenomenal, almost like he's been given a cheat code.
Huo Jianning sometimes even wonders if he could do half of what Lin Haoran did if he were in Lin Haoran's position.
The answer is probably no.
It's not a matter of ability, but a matter of vision.
Lin Haoran always sees things further and more accurately than others.
While others are still hesitating about whether to enter a certain industry, he has already completed his strategic planning.
By the time others finally decided to follow suit, he had already begun reaping the benefits.
This applies to real estate, finance, retail, and especially semiconductors.
This is what Huo Jianning felt most deeply during his two and a half years in Japan.
In early 1980, when Lin Haoran took him to Japan for the first time, Japan's economy had already begun to take off, but few people realized how long this takeoff would last or how intense it would be.
At that time in Tokyo, housing prices in Ginza had already begun to rise, and land in Shinjuku was becoming increasingly sought after, but most people still believed that this was only a temporary boom.
But Lin Haoran told him, "Jianning, from now on, we need to make a large-scale investment in Japan. Real estate, commerce, finance—invest in everything we can. In the next ten years, Japan's economy will be astonishing."
He still had some doubts at the time.
After all, Japan's economy has been growing rapidly for more than a decade. Can it continue to grow?
But he dared not disobey Lin Haoran.
So, over the past two years, following Lin Haoran's instructions, he bought land, built buildings, invested, and partnered in key cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo, these top Japanese conglomerates, have all become partners of Jardine Matheson.
Looking back now, those investments that seemed somewhat risky at the time have now appreciated by at least 100%.
Some land parcels have even tripled in value.
Huo Jianning sometimes wonders if Lin Haoran can see the future.
But he never asked that question.
Because the answer is not important.
Most importantly, by following Lin Haoran, he saw a different world.
"Jianning," Lin Haoran's voice interrupted his thoughts, "what are you thinking about?"
Huo Jianning snapped out of his reverie, smiled, and said, "I was thinking about what I've done with you over the past few years. Sometimes I find it quite incredible."
Lin Haoran looked at him, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes.
"What, regretting it?"
Huo Jianning shook his head: "I don't regret it. Sometimes I just wonder where I would be now if I hadn't agreed to your proposal. But no matter what, I only know that I made the right choice."
Lin Haoran smiled.
In order to acquire this talent, Lin Haoran personally went to his home to invite him.
In Lin Haoran's opinion, it was all worth it!
After all, while there are many talented people, those of Huo Jianning's caliber are few and far between!
"boss."
Huo Jianning suddenly spoke up, continuing, "Can I ask you a question?"
Lin Haoran looked at him and said, "Go ahead and ask."
Huo Jianning hesitated for a moment, then said, "Why do you value me so much?"
Lin Haoran paused for a moment, then smiled.
"You've been holding back this question for a long time, haven't you?"
Huo Jianning also smiled.
"I didn't dare to ask before, but I do now."
Lin Haoran patted him on the shoulder and said, "Jianning, do you know what I admire most about you?"
Huo Jianning shook his head.
Lin Haoran said, "It's not your ability, your negotiation skills, or the achievements you made in Japan. It's the drive you have."
What's wrong with you?
Lin Haoran thought for a moment and said, "A never-give-up spirit, a drive to get things done, and a determination to never give up until the goal is achieved." (End of Chapter)