novelones Chapter 1006 Returning to Pengcheng, Lin Haoran's Nanshan Port!
Chapter 1006 Returning to Pengcheng, Lin Haoran's Nanshan Port!
Michael Kadoorie paused, looked at his father's expression, and seeing that he did not object, continued.
“Father, you often taught me that in the business world there are no permanent enemies, only permanent interests. In the past, we were enemies with Lin Haoran because we were on the opposite side.”
In reality, our family's CLP Power and Lin Haoran's HK Electric Group are each responsible for their own regional power supply. We can say that we keep to ourselves and have no conflicts of interest.
As for the Peninsula Hotel, it's impossible to get it back now. Lin Haoran has already privatized it, so there's no need for us to dwell on this issue.
We were the ones who provoked him in the first place, so we were in the wrong first. We lost, and that's that; there's nothing more to say.
Lin Haoran is now in charge of the Daya Bay project, while we own the power grid in Kowloon and the New Territories. Our relationship is not one of opposition, but rather one of complementarity.
Instead of passively following him, it's better to take the initiative and become a reliable partner in the energy sector.
In this way, we can not only benefit from the Daya Bay project, but also secure a place in Lin Haoran's business empire and completely reconcile with him.
After listening to Michael Kadoorie's words, Laurence Kadoorie showed an approving look.
He exclaimed, “Michael, I’m so glad you think this way. You are the future successor of the Kadoorie family. You need to consider things more thoroughly, more far-sightedly, and more rationally.”
After our previous failure to overthrow Lin Haoran, we can see that Lin Haoran is now at the height of his power. It would be unwise for us to remain enemies with him.
You're right, the Peninsula Hotel is gone forever. There's no point in dwelling on the past. The Kadoorie family has been able to establish itself in Hong Kong for a century not because of holding grudges, but because of looking forward.
Although Lin Haoran has caused us some losses, we have to admit that his business acumen and courage are unmatched in Hong Kong.
Rather than continuing to be his opponent, let's become his partner. The Daya Bay project is our best opportunity to make peace with him.
Lin Haoran's methods in Hong Kong over the years have already brought these long-established foreign-funded conglomerates to complete submission.
Those who did not yield, such as Jardine Matheson, had no choice but to move far away from Hong Kong and completely leave the city.
this is the truth.
Those who understand the times are wise. The Kadoorie family has been able to stand strong in Hong Kong for over a century, and they naturally have their own way of surviving.
“Father, when shall we head north for negotiations?” Michael Kadoorie asked.
“I have already spoken with the person in charge in the mainland. I am available anytime. They have confirmed that the meeting will be held in three days, at 2 pm on March 3rd. I will be taking the team to Shenzhen then. You will come with me. I am getting old and I don’t know how many more years I can live.”
"Bringing you there this time serves two purposes: firstly, to allow you to participate in negotiations and gain experience; secondly, to show the mainland government and Lin Haoran that the Kadoorie family's future lies here, and that our word is our bond."
Laurence Kadoorie's voice carried a hint of weariness, but more than that, a sense of relief.
“Father, you’re in good health, don’t say such things,” Michael Kadoorie quickly said.
“People always get old.” Roland Gardner waved his hand. “I’m eighty-four this year. I’m already blessed to have lived to this age.”
I'm not afraid of death, I'm only afraid of the Kadoorie family falling into ruin under my watch. Now that I see you can stand on your own, I'm relieved.
Laurence Kadoorie, born in 1899, is now 84 years old.
He experienced World War I and World War II, witnessed the fall and rebirth of Hong Kong, and personally transformed the Kadoorie family from a medium-sized trading company into one of the most prominent families in Hong Kong.
His life is almost a microcosm of Hong Kong's nearly 100-year history.
But even heroes grow old, and no matter how brilliant a figure is, he cannot escape the passage of time.
Michael Kadoorie looked at his father's slightly hunched back and felt a pang of sorrow in his heart.
In his memory, his father's back was always straight, his gaze was always sharp, and his words were always resounding.
But I don't know when it started, my father began to hunch his back, his eyesight wasn't as sharp, and his words were no longer as authoritative as before.
Time is the most ruthless enemy.
Michael was silent for a moment, then said, "Father, I will not let you down."
“I know.” Roland Kadoorie patted his son on the shoulder. “Alright, let’s not talk about this anymore. Go and get ready. Gather the technical and financial teams. We’ll go to Guangzhou together in three days.”
Meanwhile, Lin Haoran, who had already returned to Shi Xundao's home, also received a call from Minister Liang, informing him of the specific time of the consultation meeting.
Lin Haoran put down his mobile phone, his expression unchanged.
Sitting to the side, holding her son, Guo Xiaohan asked curiously, "Brother Haoran, are you going to the mainland?"
Lin Haoran nodded and didn't hide anything from her: "I'm going to Shenzhen in a few days to discuss an important cooperation project with the mainland. I haven't been to the mainland for a long time, so I'm going two days early and leaving Hong Kong tomorrow."
“Perfect timing. I’m also going to the mainland soon. A primary school building donated by our Lin Haoran Charity Foundation has been completed in Shenzhen. I plan to attend the completion ceremony in person. How about we take Yaoguang to his grandparents’ place later, and I’ll go to the mainland with you tomorrow?” Guo Xiaohan said, looking at Lin Haoran with expectant eyes.
Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran did not refuse her.
"Okay, let's go together tomorrow morning!"
Getting to Shenzhen is quite convenient, and they don't need to take a private car through winding mountain roads like Sha Tin and the New Territories. They can simply take a dedicated sampan to Shekou Port in Shenzhen, which is convenient, stable, comfortable, and fast.
Guo Xiaohan smiled immediately when she heard Lin Haoran agree.
The couple didn't waste any time; they immediately took their son, got into the Rolls-Royce, and headed to their parents' home in Deep Water Bay.
That night, they did not return to the villa on Shi Xun Road, but instead stayed at Deep Water Bay.
Lin Haoran, who is often on the go, is indeed spending less and less time with his parents these days.
Although they didn't say it, Lin Haoran could tell that every time he came home, his parents' faces would show that heartfelt joy.
His father would pull him to sit down in the living room and ask him all sorts of questions, from business to health, from Hong Kong to Japan and the United States.
His mother, on the other hand, was more concerned about his physical health and the mundane details of daily life.
Lin Haoran had been back in Hong Kong for more than half a month since returning from the United States, and he also came back to stay for a few days, especially during the Chinese New Year period. He would come back here almost every night.
However, compared to other options, there is indeed not much time available.
Before you knew it, the night had passed.
Today is March 1, 1983.
Lin Haoran woke up from his dream early.
He still lives in the attic room on the top floor of the Deep Water Bay villa, which is where he stays every time he returns to the villa, even now that he is married.
There are also large rooms downstairs, but he still prefers to stay in this one.
The terrace outside the attic is filled with many flowers and plants, which are well cared for by servants and are in excellent condition, blooming with flowers of various colors.
Lin Haoran stood on the terrace, looking at the boundless sea outside the villa, and took a deep breath of the morning air.
The sea breeze, carrying a salty, fishy smell, mingled with the fragrance of flowers and plants on the terrace, creating a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere.
Although it's still the first month of the lunar calendar, the temperature in Hong Kong is exceptionally comfortable, with morning temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius.
"Brother Haoran, why are you up so early?" Guo Xiaohan's lazy voice came from behind.
Lin Yaoguang had been handed over to his parents and would be looked after by a nanny. Guo Xiaohan had a rare peaceful sleep without any worries, but she still woke up when Lin Haoran got up.
“You know I wake up at this time every day, it’s a habit.” Lin Haoran turned around, looked at her sleepy eyes, and smiled. “You can sleep a little longer, it’s still early.”
"I'm not going to sleep." Guo Xiaohan rubbed her eyes, put on a light coat, and walked to his side. "It's rare for me to stay at my parents-in-law's place, so I want to stay with you a little longer."
The two stood side by side on the terrace, watching the sunrise gradually rise over the sea in the distance, neither of them speaking.
In the early morning, Deep Water Bay is so quiet that only the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the cries of seagulls can be heard.
After breakfast, Lin Haoran sat on the sofa in the lobby on the first floor, looking at Hong Kong's mainstream newspapers.
Lin's father was also holding a copy of the Hong Kong Commercial Daily.
"Hao'er, the newspaper says that your MGM Studios is going to make some kind of robot movie, with an investment of several million US dollars?" Father Lin Wan'an put down the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, took off his reading glasses, looked at his son, and asked with a hint of curiosity.
"Yes, it's a science fiction movie called Terminator. The director is a young man named James Cameron. Although he has only made one not-so-successful film before, I have seen his script and design drawings, and he has a lot of ideas."
"This film cost over six million US dollars, which isn't a big production in Hollywood, but I think it has potential." Lin Haoran folded the newspaper in his hand and placed it on the coffee table, explaining with a smile.
"To be honest, when you were in Hong Kong, you weren't interested in movies at all. I really don't understand why you went to the United States and acquired the famous MGM."
"But this has really made me proud. Now, who in the Hong Kong film industry doesn't envy me?" Lin Wan'an laughed heartily.
If the film industry in Hong Kong is considered small-scale, then Hollywood in the United States is definitely the holy land of the global film industry.
And now, his own children hold a pivotal position in Hollywood. How could Lin Wan-an not feel proud!
Lin Wan'an's laughter echoed in the living room, carrying a unique sense of pride characteristic of an elderly father.
Looking at the smile on his father's face, Lin Haoran felt proud of himself.
Although my father had a place in the business world before, it was only of medium size and he was not a big name in Hong Kong.
Today, his son has accomplished what he never dared to dream of back then: becoming the richest man in Hong Kong, acquiring Hollywood giants, and making waves on Wall Street, drawing the attention of the entire Hong Kong business community.
This kind of pride cannot be measured by money.
“Dad, MGM is facing difficulties right now, but I’m confident I can make it work.” Lin Haoran picked up his teacup and took a sip. “The reason those Hollywood giants are ganging up on us is simply because they’re afraid we’ll take a piece of their pie.”
But as long as MGM's IPs, film library, and brand remain, they can't suppress it even if they want to.
Lin Wan'an nodded and did not ask any further questions.
He put down the newspaper in his hand, stood up and said, "I'm going back to the company first. Our newly filmed movie, 'Aces Go Places: The Ultimate Showdown,' is scheduled to be released in a few days. The company has high expectations for this movie, so I have to keep an eye on it."
Lin Wan'an stood up from the sofa and straightened his collar.
In fact, the film itself was produced by Cinema City. However, last year, Cinema City's father, Lam Man-on, acquired 36.7% of the shares from Mr. Lui for HK$4000 million and another 14.3% from Maka for HK$1500 million, for a total of 51% of the shares.
Therefore, Cinema City's biggest competitor has now become Media Asia Films, a subsidiary of Lin Haoran.
It was Lin Haoran who suggested that his father make the acquisition.
For Lin Haoran, Hong Kong films were like a small pond, something to be done on a small scale, so he wasn't very interested.
But since his father was interested, he naturally wanted to help his father become the leader in Hong Kong's film industry.
With the original Shaw Brothers Studio plus the current Cinema City, even Golden Harvest is far from being a match for them.
In Lin Haoran's view, as long as his father is happy, spending a little money is nothing.
The HK$5 million invested in acquiring Shaw Brothers Studio is still more than enough to cover the costs.
It's easy to imagine how small Hong Kong's film industry was.
The upcoming film "Aces Go Places 2" is expected to become the highest-grossing film in Hong Kong this year, with a box office of HK$2327 million.
It looks pretty good, but compared to Hollywood movies, it's really not comparable at all.
For example, the highest-grossing Hollywood film of 1982 was "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," which grossed a staggering $7.929 million, almost $8 million.
The current exchange rate is 1 US dollar to 6.6 Hong Kong dollars. 7.929 million US dollars is approximately equal to 52.3 billion Hong Kong dollars!
The highest box office gross was HK$2327 million in Hong Kong and HK$52.3 billion in Hollywood. When these figures are compared side by side, the difference is so huge that it's despairing—more than two hundred times the difference.
It's not that Hong Kong filmmakers don't work hard, but rather that the size of the market determines its upper limit.
Hong Kong is a tiny place with a population of just over six million. There are only a few dozen cinemas, and ticket prices are only a few dozen Hong Kong dollars. A box office of over twenty million Hong Kong dollars is already the limit.
As for the overseas market for Hong Kong films, apart from a little bit in Southeast Asia, it's really no different from having none at all.
Hollywood, on the other hand, faces a global market, with hundreds of millions of viewers in dozens of countries, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Australia. It is common for a single film to sell for hundreds of millions of dollars.
This is the fundamental reason why Lin Haoran has little interest in Hong Kong films.
It's not that I look down on them, it's just that their ceiling is too low.
Even if they monopolized the entire Hong Kong film market, their total annual box office would only be a few hundred million Hong Kong dollars, which is less than the global box office of a medium-budget MGM film.
But he understood why his father, Lin Wan-an, enjoyed it.
For the father, the purpose of running a film company was not for money. After all, he had worked hard all his life and his net worth was only a little over 100 million.
As for his own son, in just a few years, his assets have become hundreds or even thousands of times greater than his own.
Therefore, Lin Wan-an's purpose was more of a spiritual sustenance after retirement.
Having run a business his whole life, he naturally couldn't accept being asked to retire quietly and do nothing when he was over sixty.
The film industry perfectly fulfilled all his needs. Being able to become the top dog in this small pond of Hong Kong's film industry, and having all the filmmakers in Hong Kong look up to him, admire him, and flatter him, was a feeling that was more satisfying than making any amount of money.
This is much more fulfilling than staying at home growing flowers and plants and enjoying the company of grandchildren.
Therefore, Lin Haoran tried his best to satisfy him.
Although he was not interested in the Hong Kong film market, it was still a very simple thing for him to make Media Asia Films the number one giant in the Hong Kong film industry.
After seeing Lin Wan'an off to his car and watching him leave, Lin Haoran also took Guo Xiaohan to the Rolls-Royce and headed towards the Central Pier.
Forty minutes later, Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan boarded the wingboat at the Central Pier.
"Boss, we can set off now," the captain said respectfully as he approached Lin Haoran.
After boarding the ship, Lin Haoran specially called all the crew members and service staff to his side and said a few words of encouragement to them.
In reality, only he himself knew that his purpose in doing this was simply to test everyone's loyalty.
If any of these employees exhibits a clearly abnormal level of loyalty, then that person is definitely problematic, possibly harboring ulterior motives, and could even pose a threat to their safety.
Having lived a second life, especially now possessing assets worth hundreds of billions, and not yet having had a chance to fully enjoy them, Lin Haoran cherishes his life very much.
Better safe than sorry!
"Alright, let's set off." Lin Haoran waved his hand, and the captain respectfully withdrew and returned to the cockpit.
The wingboat slowly departed from the dock, accelerated, and then glided smoothly on the sea.
The view of Victoria Harbour outside the porthole was breathtaking, with Victoria Peak appearing and disappearing in the morning mist in the distance.
In the blink of an eye, about an hour had passed.
The wingboat slowly approached a port.
In the past, he would arrive in Shenzhen via Shekou Port, but this time, he arrived at another port not far from Shekou Port.
This port is a 50,000-ton-class port built by Wanqing Group, a port that belongs entirely to Lin Haoran. All the goods of Wanqing Industrial Park are shipped to the world through this port.
To distinguish it from Shekou Port, this port is called Nanshan Port.
The reason why Shekou Port was used before was because Nanshan Port was under construction. Now that the port has been completed and put into use, Lin Haoran no longer needs to go through Shekou Port to come to Shenzhen.
And a 50,000-ton-class wharf is just the beginning.
In the future, several deep-water berths with a capacity of 100,000 tons will be built here, increasing the annual throughput capacity from the current 1 million TEUs to more than 5 million TEUs, and in the long term, it is positioned to handle tens of millions of TEUs.
Today, Nanshan Port has become the largest cargo port in Shenzhen, far surpassing Shekou Port.
However, building a 100,000-ton deep-water berth is not so easy. The most important thing is to clear the silt and reefs under the Pengcheng Bay. The project is huge and cannot be completed overnight.
But Lin Haoran wasn't in a hurry.
Port construction is a long-term project that can be undertaken over many years and cannot be rushed.
As long as you're heading in the right direction, it's okay to go a little slower.
Nanshan Port has a clear positioning: it is not to compete with Shekou Port for business, but to differentiate itself from other ports. Its primary goal is to meet the freight needs of its affiliated companies, and only any surplus capacity will be used to undertake business from other ports.
This ensures that the port has a stable source of cargo while maintaining flexibility and initiative in market competition.
This was Lin Haoran's first visit to this place since Nanshan Port was put into use.
The wingboat slowly approached the shore, where people were already waiting.
Moreover, the scale of the event surprised Lin Haoran.
Inside the dock, there was a dense crowd of at least a thousand people, with colorful flags fluttering and drums beating loudly. A red banner stretched across the dock entrance, which read, "Warmly welcome Mr. Lin Haoran to visit and guide Shenzhen."
A red carpet was laid out on the dock, stretching from the berths all the way to the port's office building. Staff members in uniforms from different organizations stood on both sides, each with a smile on their face and holding small colorful flags in their hands.
The most conspicuous were those standing at the very front.
They are not the management of Lin Haoran's companies, but leaders of Shenzhen and even Guangdong Province.
Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback, but quickly regained his composure. (End of Chapter)