Chapter 218: Private Reception Room
"Boss, do you plan to have this company operate under Oriental Press Company, or independently?" Cui Zilong asked.
After Lin Haoran's explanation, Cui Zilong had already gained a general understanding.
He hadn't expected that his boss had quietly gathered two hundred capable retired soldiers.
While asking the question, he was also seriously considering whether he should accept the job.
The Oriental Daily had, in fact, already reached its growth ceiling. Expanding internationally was not easy, and at most, they could slightly increase their market share in Southeast Asia — breaking into Western markets was practically impossible.
Furthermore, news media involved public opinion control, and each region had different government regulations, making market expansion even harder.
Thus, Cui Zilong had been contemplating his next career move, and now, perhaps this was a good opportunity.
"Of course, it will operate independently. Oriental Press is a newspaper and media company. Wouldn't it feel strange to have a security company under it?" Lin Haoran said with a laugh.
Cui Zilong nodded, then said, "I'm willing to serve as head of the security company, but your goals are ambitious. To reach the scale of an international security company, as you mentioned, will not be easy."
"Just let it develop naturally; it's not a mandatory target. Also, I'll gradually increase the investment. You only need to focus on managing the company well. I'll also hire a professional to assist you," Lin Haoran continued.
"Alright, I'll give it a try," Cui Zilong finally agreed to the task.
Afterward, Lin Haoran and Cui Zilong discussed the next steps in the office.
First, they would register a company called Huanyu Security Consulting Company and begin recruiting office staff.
Due to the influence of local gangs, small and medium businesses in Hong Kong usually paid protection fees, and many building security guards were actually gang members.
As for the bodyguard market, it was mainly dominated by international security firms.
There was one relatively strong local security company, Jardine Security, but they primarily serviced Jardines Matheson and Hongkong Land properties, mostly providing ordinary security guards.
Since Cui Zilong was an outsider to the security industry, Lin Haoran specially poached a deputy general manager from G4S's Hong Kong branch to serve as his assistant.
G4S was the largest security consulting company in the world.
Although they only poached a deputy manager, this person understood all aspects of the industry and could help Cui Zilong quickly get up to speed.
The deputy had solid operational knowledge but wasn't as strong in management, making him and Cui Zilong a perfect complementary team.
After establishing Huanyu Security Consulting Company, Lin Haoran purchased a piece of land near Clear Water Bay in Sai Kung — over 300,000 square meters.
The area was remote and mountainous, making the land very cheap.
Most importantly, it was secluded and surrounded by nature, ideal for building a training base.
On the land were two abandoned three-story buildings, still structurally sound. After some repairs, they could house people.
Building new facilities would take months, but training couldn't wait that long.
During Lin Haoran's first week back, the two hundred veterans gradually completed their Hong Kong ID applications.
Soon, the two hundred veterans and the logistics department moved into the base, starting basic training while construction continued.
Wanan Group managed the construction, with work progressing alongside training.
Once completed, the base would rival professional military training centers.
After careful consideration, Lin Haoran reassigned Li Weiguo to Huanyu Security Consulting Company as the chief instructor.
Among the two brothers, Li Weidong was stronger and would continue as Lin Haoran's personal bodyguard — the best choice.
Li Weiguo, though slightly less powerful, was more astute, making him well-suited to be chief instructor.
Moreover, it was Li Weiguo who led the veteran selection process in Yangcheng, proving he had a natural talent for training.
As for Lin Haoran himself, operating mainly in Hong Kong, one bodyguard was enough for now.
Top Chinese tycoons like Li Jiacheng, Bao Yugang, and Li Zhaoji usually only had one bodyguard when going out.
Once Huanyu Security Consulting Company stabilized, Li Weiguo could be reassigned if needed.
Or, if Lin Haoran traveled abroad, Li Weiguo could accompany him.
Lin Haoran specifically took a day to observe the training.
The veterans' initial loyalty ranged from 70 to 80 — not bad at all.
Given that they had just arrived from the mainland, Lin Haoran knew higher loyalty would come with time.
Loyalty wasn't fixed; it could increase over time.
After handling Huanyu Security Consulting's establishment, Lin Haoran could temporarily step back from its operations.
Time quickly passed, and March 21st arrived.
That morning, after breakfast, Lin Haoran left home with Li Weidong.
Now, Li Weidong served as his driver too.
Since reuniting with his parents and grandfather, Li Weidong had clearly become much more cheerful.
The villa on Shixun Road was extremely secure, and occasionally, after Lin Haoran returned home, he would allow Li Weidong to visit his family.
"Head to Wanan Building in Central," Lin Haoran instructed.
"Yes, Boss!" The Rolls-Royce smoothly exited the villa and headed toward Central.
While Lin Haoran was inspecting the mainland, the former Federal Building — now the new Wanan Building — had completed basic renovations.
Thus, Wanan Group and Huanyu Investment Company had officially moved in.
Wanan Group occupied the 28th, 29th, and 30th floors, while Huanyu Investment Company took the top floor, the 31st.
Lin Haoran also had a completely private reception room on the 31st floor, over 200 square meters in size.
However, because he had been busy with Huanyu Security Consulting, he hadn't yet visited.
The car drove into the Wanan Building's underground parking lot, almost full, showing the building's high occupancy rate.
Below the 27th floor, most space was leased out to various companies.
Some small companies only rented small offices, while large companies leased entire floors.
Few tenants could afford multiple floors; larger enterprises usually preferred to purchase their own headquarters.
Taking the elevator to the 31st floor, Lin Haoran and Li Weidong quickly arrived at the building's top level.
Stepping out, they immediately saw Huanyu Investment's reception area.
Receptionist Zhao Lin was still working there, now managing two new assistants.
"Good morning, Boss," they greeted respectfully.
Lin Haoran nodded and smiled back.
The new office was much more spacious than before, with room for future expansion.
Now, Huanyu Investment Company had multiple departments — investment, research, risk management, operations, administration — with more than 200 employees.
It was no longer the small company of just a few traders.
Although it was Lin Haoran's first visit since the move, he knew the layout well and quickly found Su Zhixue's office.
Each department now had its own designated area, especially the investment division — every project team had its own section, greatly improving confidentiality.
Thanks to high loyalty among his early staff, none of his acquisition plans had ever leaked, allowing his behind-the-scenes operations to proceed smoothly.
"Boss, you're here," Su Zhixue said, standing up to greet him.
It was only around 9 a.m., half an hour before the stock market opened, which was why Su Zhixue was still in his office.
Once trading started, he would have to oversee the trading floor.
Though now the company's general manager, Su Zhixue was still an excellent trader himself, but he rarely needed to trade personally anymore.
Still, he managed the overall operations during trading hours.
"How's the progress with those three stocks?" Lin Haoran asked as he sat down.
"Boss, as of yesterday's market close, we hold 6.82% of Jardines Matheson, 10.69% of Hongkong Land, and 13.56% of Kowloon Motor Bus. The pace is good!" Su Zhixue reported.
Lin Haoran nodded, satisfied. "Good progress. Keep it up!"
Although they were still some distance from full control, he knew that maintaining this pace for a few more months would put Kowloon Motor Bus firmly in his hands, and gaining control of Hongkong Land was increasingly likely.
As for Jardines Matheson, he would let it develop naturally.
After all, his real goal had always been Hongkong Land, not Jardines Matheson.
"Boss, there's something else to report: recently, Jardines Matheson has been selling off its shares in Hong Kong and China Gas Company through the stock market.
They probably now hold less than 20%," Su Zhixue added.
Previously, Lin Haoran had considered privatizing Hong Kong and China Gas, but after consulting with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission's chairman, he decided against it.
Holding 49.9% was practically the same as 50%; he already controlled the company.
Since the Commission opposed privatization, he didn't insist.
Saving the funds for other investments was just as good.
"Let them sell if they want. It doesn't matter," Lin Haoran said casually.
Hong Kong and China Gas was firmly in his hands; even if Jardines Matheson didn't sell, they couldn't seize control.
"Boss, you haven't visited your private reception room yet, right? Shall I show you?" Su Zhixue suggested.
"Sure, I'd like to see how it turned out!" Lin Haoran stood up.
The private reception room had been his own idea, with designs drawn up by Wanan Group.
Now, he was eager to see how the real thing compared to the concept drawings.
The two walked down the hall and arrived at a double-door entrance.
Su Zhixue took out a key, unlocked the door, and pushed it open. Lin Haoran followed closely behind.
Entering the 200-plus-square-meter room, the first thing that greeted him was a vast, imposing space.
The thick handwoven carpets underfoot were incredibly soft.
Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceiling.
Groups of tasteful leather sofas surrounded polished wooden coffee tables, exuding a blend of luxury and comfort.
Tall bookshelves lined the walls, filled with books and tasteful ornaments, radiating a cultured atmosphere.
Huge floor-to-ceiling windows let sunlight flood the room, offering a stunning panoramic view.
Potted green plants added a touch of fresh vitality.
This was Lin Haoran's private reception room.
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