Chapter 219: The Beginning of Mainland Expansion
This grand private reception room truly left Lin Haoran very satisfied.
"Wanan Group's construction team really didn't let me down. They perfectly recreated the style from the design renderings," Lin Haoran said with a smile as he looked around the carefully decorated room.
"Boss, I need to head over to the Investment Department. The stock market is about to open," Su Zhixue, who had been accompanying him for a while, checked his watch and said.
"Go ahead. I'll take a look around myself," Lin Haoran waved his hand.
After Su Zhixue left, Lin Haoran continued inspecting the reception room.
Off to one side, there was a roughly 50-square-meter office space reserved for Lin Haoran's personal use, though he rarely needed an office — it was more symbolic.
The wide floor-to-ceiling windows faced Victoria Harbour, offering a stunning view.
Hosting meetings with important figures here would certainly make an impression.
After strolling around for a while, Lin Haoran left the reception room and took the elevator down to the 29th floor to inspect Wanan Group's new office setup.
Finally, he arrived at Yang Mingyi's office.
However, Yang Mingyi wasn't there.
"Boss, Mr. Yang has gone to Tsim Sha Tsui to check on the progress of the Shangri-La Hotel Tower project," the secretary from Wanan Group's administration department reported.
Clearly, the Tsim Sha Tsui project referred to the Shangri-La Hotel Tower being developed with Guo Henian.
It was Wanan Group's only active project in Tsim Sha Tsui at the moment.
"Contact him for me. Tell him I need to see him," Lin Haoran instructed directly.
"Yes, Boss! I'll contact him right away!" the secretary responded promptly and hurried to make the call.
A few minutes later, the secretary returned.
"Boss, I've contacted the site supervisor and passed on your message. Mr. Yang should be back in about half an hour," she said.
Lin Haoran nodded slightly, signaling her to continue with her work.
He leisurely made tea in Yang Mingyi's office, savoring its aroma while he waited patiently.
Sure enough, less than half an hour later, Yang Mingyi rushed back.
"Boss, what urgent matter did you need me for?" he asked anxiously as he sat down.
"Don't worry. Have some tea first," Lin Haoran said with a smile, seeing his haste.
Yang Mingyi took a sip of tea and looked at Lin Haoran again.
"Mr. Yang, I heard you're originally from Guangdong Province, right?" Lin Haoran finally asked.
"Yes, Boss. I'm from Humen in Dongguan City. My family moved here in 1949. It's been thirty-one years now," Yang Mingyi said with some emotion.
In 1949, a large number of mainlanders had indeed migrated to Hong Kong — everyone knew why.
At that time, movement between the mainland and Hong Kong was frequent and didn't require smuggling.
It wasn't until 1951 that Hong Kong established a border control zone, so it was not surprising that Yang Mingyi's family had moved before that.
Now at fifty years old, Yang Mingyi had been around nineteen when his family relocated.
"And after that, have you ever returned to your hometown?" Lin Haoran asked.
Yang Mingyi shook his head. "No. There were too many restrictions. My parents wanted to return in the early years but never managed to."
Indeed, it was difficult to return to the mainland during that era, and few managed to do so.
"I recently visited Guangdong Province and had in-depth discussions with the local leadership. I see immense future development potential there, especially with low labor and land costs.
They're preparing for economic reforms — you must have heard about that, right?
My idea is to make large-scale investments in the mainland, initially focusing on Pengcheng, Dongguan, Yangcheng, and Chancheng.
In the mid to long term, the plan includes expanding to major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Chengdu.
Therefore, I need an outstanding manager to spearhead expansion into the mainland market.
I've already reached preliminary agreements with the local governments.
Initially, we'll invest in industrial parks, manufacturing, commercial buildings, and infrastructure in Yangcheng and Pengcheng.
I plan to invest several hundred million Hong Kong dollars within two to three years — a grand goal with heavy responsibilities.
After careful consideration, I think you're the best candidate.
If you're willing, I'll entrust this responsibility to you. Of course, I won't force you. I just want to know if you're willing to take it on," Lin Haoran said seriously.
"What about Wanan Group?" Yang Mingyi asked, his first concern naturally being the company he had been managing.
"For Wanan Group, I already have a plan. I intend to merge Wanan Group with Green Island Cement Company into a single group company.
This way, resources can be better coordinated and shared.
If you agree to go to the mainland, you'll be the head of all mainland operations.
As for Hong Kong, Mr. Burton will take charge after the merger.
Of course, once a solid foundation is laid on the mainland, you're always welcome to return, and I'll make sure you are well-rewarded," Lin Haoran explained with a smile.
Over the past year, Burton's performance had thoroughly satisfied Lin Haoran.
Thanks to Burton's leadership, Green Island Cement had achieved excellent results, completely exceeding Lin Haoran's expectations.
Without Burton, the company's profits might still have been stuck at a few million Hong Kong dollars annually.
Now, with the current momentum, annual profits of several hundred million were within reach in just a few years.
A manager who could earn profits was a good manager — Lin Haoran wasn't stingy about rewarding talent.
While Yang Mingyi was capable, he was slightly inferior to Burton in management skills.
Moreover, Yang Mingyi being originally from Guangdong made him the most suitable candidate to lead mainland expansion.
Currently, Wanan Group and Green Island Cement had already collaborated on the Hung Hom land project, but they were clearly both his private companies.
Keeping them separate was no longer necessary.
Just like what he knew about Li Jiacheng's operations — controlling Cheung Kong Holdings, Hutchison Whampoa, Green Island Cement, and Anderson Asia —
He wasn't planning to merge his publicly listed companies for now, but for wholly owned companies, it was better to consolidate.
At present, his wholly owned companies were Green Island Cement, Wanan Group, Huanyu Investment, Oriental Press, and Huanyu Security Consulting.
His publicly listed companies were Hongkong Electric and Hong Kong and China Gas Company, both with 49.9% shares — ensuring control against takeover.
Huanyu Investment would operate independently due to sensitive investment secrets.
Oriental Press and Huanyu Security Consulting could remain separate for now and merge later if necessary.
Right now, the priority was merging Wanan Group and Green Island Cement.
The real estate and construction industries complemented each other naturally.
Lin Haoran's words made Yang Mingyi ponder.
Clearly, the boss very much wanted him to take charge of mainland operations.
"Boss, I'm mainly concerned that once we start investing in the mainland, the local governments might make things difficult for us," Yang Mingyi voiced his concern.
Although it was the boss's money, if the investments failed, it would reflect badly on him too.
"You don't need to worry about that.
During my recent trip, the local officials treated me very respectfully.
Their leaders personally met with me and promised maximum support and favorable policies.
If we encounter any difficulties, I have their assurance that they'll personally intervene," Lin Haoran said confidently.
He wasn't worried at all.
Local officials might exploit small or medium enterprises, but for major investors like him, they wouldn't dare.
Especially now, in the early phase of economic reform and opening up, they needed to create a good environment to attract investment — otherwise, investors would be scared off.
Lin Haoran's status in Hong Kong's business world was no secret.
If the mainland mishandled his enterprises and it got publicized, the consequences would be severe.
Local governments were well aware of this too.
"Alright, Boss, I'll do it!" Yang Mingyi agreed.
As an employee, if the boss asked him to pioneer a new market, it was his duty to go.
Although full of uncertainties, Yang Mingyi also knew refusing would leave a bad impression.
Besides, venturing into the mainland might create new career opportunities.
"You must still have relatives in Dongguan, right?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Yes, communication is difficult, but my parents and relatives still correspond through letters," Yang Mingyi nodded.
"In that case, it's settled. Take the next few days to prepare.
I'll discuss arrangements with Mr. Burton.
Everything will start from scratch on the mainland, so it'll be tough.
But believe me — the future development speed of Guangdong Province will be much faster than you can imagine!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Hong Kong's development was already rapid.
But compared to Pengcheng's future growth, it would be on a completely different level.
After all, Hong Kong was already mature.
Pengcheng was just beginning!
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