Chapter 227: Lin Haoran's Solution
After leaving Su Zhixue's office, Lin Haoran returned to his own office. He then took out his phone directory and quickly flipped to a familiar name — Kwok Tak Seng. His directory now contained the numbers of over a hundred top business figures from Hong Kong, whether British, American, or Chinese-backed tycoons. It was the result of the ever-expanding network he had built as his reputation skyrocketed, attending prestigious events like the Governor's Spring Banquet and joining the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, where he met many figures he would not have encountered otherwise. Often, it was others who eagerly sought to be introduced to him, because Lin Haoran had unknowingly stepped into the ranks of Hong Kong's top business elite.
"Mr. Kwok? This is Lin Haoran," he introduced himself as soon as the call connected. Kwok Tak Seng, now nearing seventy, was someone Lin Haoran genuinely respected, in line with the traditional Chinese virtue of honoring the elderly, and also because Kwok was a senior figure in the business world. "Mr. Lin? What can I do for you?" Kwok's voice revealed his surprise. Though they knew each other, they were not close, having only met a few times at major events, never privately. Yet Kwok admired Lin Haoran — few could match what Lin had achieved in just two short years, surpassing the wealth Kwok himself had accumulated over decades.
People accepted that older tycoons had spent their lifetimes building empires, but a young man like Lin Haoran achieving such success in so little time was shocking. Kwok often advised his eldest son to learn from promising young tycoons like Lin if he wanted to properly inherit the family business.
"I do have something important I'd like to discuss with you, Mr. Kwok. If you have time, I hope we can talk," Lin Haoran said politely. "If Mr. Lin wishes to meet, I will always make time. When would you like to meet?" Kwok replied heartily. "How about right now?" Lin Haoran asked directly. "Of course. I'm at Sun Hung Kai Tower in Wan Chai. You can come directly; I'll wait for you in the reception room," Kwok said readily. "Perfect, I'll be there in twenty minutes," Lin Haoran agreed and hung up.
The journey from Wanqing Tower in Central to Wan Chai was quick, and twenty minutes was more than enough. Lin Haoran immediately left with Li Weidong. Ten minutes later, he arrived at a twenty-something-story building — Sun Hung Kai's current headquarters until their new center was completed. After explaining his visit at the front desk, he was quickly escorted to the 22nd floor reception room, where Kwok Tak Seng was already waiting, along with a young man in his early thirties.
Upon seeing Lin Haoran, Kwok stood to greet him and offered a handshake. "Mr. Lin, your visit truly graces Sun Hung Kai," he said warmly. "You flatter me, Mr. Kwok. I'm merely a junior, unworthy of such praise," Lin Haoran replied modestly. Dealing with these elder tycoons always made Lin feel slightly awkward. Despite being fellow top business leaders, the age gap — Kwok was older than even Lin's father — inevitably created a sense of generational divide.
"This is my eldest son, Bing Cheung. Mr. Lin, I hope you two can get to know each other. After all, the future belongs to your generation," Kwok said, introducing his son. "Mr. Lin, nice to meet you. Please guide me well," Bing Cheung said respectfully. "Nice to meet you, Brother Bing Cheung. We're all young people; no need for such formality," Lin Haoran said with a smile as they shook hands. It was clear that Bing Cheung would be the future leader of Sun Hung Kai.
"Please, Mr. Lin, have a seat," Kwok said, and the three of them sat down. "May I ask the purpose of your visit today?" Kwok asked, getting straight to the point, while Bing Cheung quietly prepared tea for them. "I heard that Mr. Kwok is interested in acquiring Kowloon Motor Bus. Is that true?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile. Both Kwok and his son were visibly surprised. Their plans had been highly confidential, known only to a few top executives and traders. Yet somehow, Lin Haoran had found out.
"How did Mr. Lin come to know this?" Kwok asked. There was no point denying it now. "I came across it by chance. To be honest, I'm also very interested in Kowloon Motor Bus and have been quietly building a position for some time. I'm here today because I hope we can resolve this peacefully. A prolonged battle would hurt us both," Lin Haoran said.
"You're also targeting Kowloon Motor Bus?" Kwok was visibly more surprised. They had only been aware of Eagle Group's interest, not Lin Haoran's. And Lin Haoran was no small player — his strength far surpassed Eagle Group. "I've always had a keen interest in acquiring listed companies. I believe Mr. Kwok has noticed," Lin Haoran said, sipping his tea. His acquisitions of Green Island Cement, Hongkong Electric Group, and Hongkong and China Gas Company were all famous cases. Lin Haoran had even earned the nickname "the British Corporate Collector" among the media, although it wasn't widely used, it was well recognized in certain circles.
Kwok nodded seriously. If it had only been Eagle Group, Sun Hung Kai would have had a decent chance. But now, with Lin Haoran as a competitor, things looked grim. "May I ask how much of Kowloon Motor Bus Mr. Lin currently holds?" Kwok asked cautiously. "More than 25%," Lin Haoran answered without hesitation. With over a quarter of the company, he had a firm grip. To truly control it, he would need around 40%, similar to the position Sun Hung Kai held in Lin's previous life after acquiring Kowloon Motor Bus.
Kwok murmured the figure to himself: "Over 25%..." It was far beyond Sun Hung Kai's current 6.21% holding. Even with their increased efforts, they were nowhere close. Clearly, continuing to compete would be futile and a waste of time and money. Reluctantly, Kwok accepted reality. Lin Haoran wouldn't lie about his position — it simply wasn't necessary.
"May I ask what Mr. Kwok's current stake is?" Lin Haoran asked. "6.21%," Kwok admitted. There was no reason to hide it anymore. Continuing the fight would only result in a lose-lose situation. "I actually have a proposal that could be mutually beneficial," Lin Haoran said.
"Oh? Please, do tell," Kwok said, intrigued, as Bing Cheung also leaned in attentively. "Besides my holdings in Kowloon Motor Bus, I also control close to 5% of China Motor Bus. I am determined to acquire Kowloon Motor Bus. As you know, the government will never allow the same party to control both bus companies. Therefore, I suggest Sun Hung Kai shift its focus to China Motor Bus. I'm willing to transfer my holdings in China Motor Bus to you, in exchange for Sun Hung Kai's shares in Kowloon Motor Bus," Lin Haoran proposed, smiling.
This was the real purpose of today's meeting. It was truly a win-win solution. If Kwok transferred his Kowloon Motor Bus shares, Lin Haoran's holdings would immediately jump to 31.33%, strengthening his advantage significantly. Meanwhile, Sun Hung Kai could quietly build its position in China Motor Bus, a valuable but neglected listed utility company. Its stock price was still low, and there were no other competitors in sight.
Kwok pondered deeply. He had studied China Motor Bus before. Though slightly inferior in fixed assets and profitability compared to Kowloon Motor Bus, it was still a very high-quality listed company. Initially, like Lin Haoran, he had simply chosen the better target. Now, facing heavy competition, switching targets made sense.
"What do you think, Bing Cheung?" Kwok asked his son. "Father, I think Mr. Lin's proposal is excellent," Bing Cheung replied respectfully. Kwok nodded and turned back to Lin Haoran, smiling. "Mr. Lin, I agree. Let's proceed with your proposal. We can work out the details together."
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1