Chapter 136 - Lin Haoning's Readiness
After arranging for Su Zhixue and his team to handle the operations, Lin Haoran made a trip to Citibank, where he converted 40 million U.S. dollars into Hong Kong dollars, about 212 million, and transferred the funds into his HSBC account. His Hong Kong Stock Exchange trading account was linked to an HSBC account, and all trading transactions went through it. With this amount, Su Zhixue's operations team at Huanyu Investment Company had more than enough to operate for a long time.
Seeing that it was already past 3 PM, Lin Haoran decided to return to the Deep Water Bay villa early. "Oh, Haoran, you're home so early today? Usually, we don't see you until six or seven in the evening," Lin Wanan said, surprised, as he watered the flowers in the courtyard. Although these chores were typically handled by the maids, since retiring from Wan'an Group, Lin Wanan had developed a fondness for such simple pleasures — exercising a bit while enjoying a peaceful moment, part of his recuperation.
"Dad, there wasn't much going on at the company today, so I came home early. Actually, I came back because I have something to discuss with you," Lin Haoran said with a smile as he took the watering can from his father's hands and continued watering. "You don't have to be so formal with me, just say what's on your mind," Lin Wanan said, pretending to scold, but his eyes were full of affection.
"Dad, I'd like to buy the 10% of Wan'an Group shares that my brother Haoning owns," Lin Haoran said straightforwardly. "Oh? That portion doesn't affect your actual control of the Group. Why the sudden interest?" Lin Wanan asked curiously.
For Lin Wanan, it made no difference whether Haoning or Haoran held those shares — both were his sons. "Dad, my idea is to fully privatize Wan'an Group. Being a listed company brings more burdens than benefits. It's better to privatize it so I can manage its development more freely. Also, besides buying my brother's shares, I'd like your help to talk to the other shareholders to see if they're willing to sell as well," Lin Haoran explained seriously.
In Wan'an Group, besides the Lin family holding majority control, a few other shareholders owned notable stakes, but they lacked actual influence and usually didn't participate actively in board affairs. The Group was practically a family-dominated business. Given the Group's healthy financial state and lack of need for external funding, maintaining its listing was unnecessary and even risky due to public disclosure requirements. With the rapid appreciation of property values, Lin Haoran preferred to concentrate all gains within the family.
At present, Wan'an Group's market cap was only about 1.7 billion Hong Kong dollars, and Lin Haoran already owned 49.99%. Estimating from current stock prices, he would need only about 85 million Hong Kong dollars to buy up the rest and complete privatization. The real asset value far exceeded the market cap. He also held the prime land acquired for 1.3 billion Hong Kong dollars and the nearly completed commercial tower at North Point. By early 1981, these assets would be worth 3 to 4 billion Hong Kong dollars. The Wan'an Group building itself, located in a prime area of Causeway Bay, though not as prestigious as Central, still had massive commercial value — likely exceeding 4 billion Hong Kong dollars once sold.
Altogether, after liquidating all properties, Wan'an Group could easily surpass 10 billion Hong Kong dollars in asset value by early 1981. Even after repaying the 1.3 billion HSBC loan, he would still have more than 8 billion left. When Hong Kong's real estate market crashed around 1982, he could repurchase properties at low prices and profit again — much faster and easier than traditional business operations.
"Privatizing Wan'an Group? Good, I fully support you. I'll contact the shareholders. But don't you want to discuss it with your brother yourself?" Lin Wanan asked with a smile. For him, privatization posed no issue. Listing had originally served to raise development funds and share risks. Now, with no need for external financing, he was happy to let his son implement new strategies.
"Okay, Dad. But I'd prefer you to handle Haoning. Also, if any shareholders try to raise prices, just tell them I've already mortgaged the Wan'an Group building for a 1.3 billion loan. That should make them think twice," Lin Haoran said confidently. The loan arrangements hadn't been made public yet, so the shareholders were unaware. If they knew, their bargaining power would be greatly reduced.
Hearing this, Lin Wanan nodded silently, feeling a surge of emotion. Since Haoning had moved out after marriage, the brothers' relationship had grown distant. Still, he understood that each son had to follow his own path. An hour later, after finishing his calls, Lin Wanan returned to the living room.
"Haoran, good news. The shareholders are willing to sell. Two of them insist on a 10% premium over the market price, though. And Ning said he'd come by tonight to discuss," Lin Wanan reported. "No problem. Let's agree. I want to complete the privatization quickly," Lin Haoran said without hesitation. These minority shareholders held only about 16% combined, and the extra cost was minor — not worth dragging out negotiations.
"Good. You go ahead. From now on, I'll just be an advisor, not interfere in your decisions," Lin Wanan said with a warm smile. Watching his son achieve so much in such a short time — surpassing even his own decades-long career — filled him with pride and a sense of peace.
That evening around 6 PM, Lin Haoning returned home alone — without his wife and child, whom Lin Haoran had only met twice since transmigrating: once on New Year's Eve and once at their father's birthday. During dinner, they all tacitly avoided discussing the share sale, instead engaging in casual family talk led by Lin's mother.
After dinner, the three men gathered in the study. "Haoran, if you're interested in my shares, I'm happy to transfer them at the market price," Lin Haoning said directly, breaking the silence. His straightforwardness surprised Lin Haoran. Before Lin Haoran could respond, Lin Haoning continued, "Also, thanks for advising me about the North American market. I found it's indeed much better than the Middle East — more orders, and better profits. I've already partnered with several North American distributors."
Gratitude and respect shone in Lin Haoning's eyes. Losing the succession battle had cost him nothing; he still received a generous inheritance and now focused entirely on developing his fan factory. "It was just a casual reminder. Whether you heeded it or not was your own fortune," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
In the study, as the brothers chatted, it felt as if the past tensions and competitions between them had quietly melted away.
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