Through tonight's party, Lin BaoCheng met many key figures from Hong Kong's political circles: officials from Customs, property development, import–export trade, and even the Police Department responsible for security.
Most of these departments were closely tied to Hutchison Whampoa's core businesses. The company interacted with them frequently, and senior officials often dealt with Hutchison's management. There were hidden exchanges of benefits — not direct bribes, but discreet favors and rewards, ensuring Hutchison received support when needed.
This wasn't unique to Hutchison. Jardine, Wheelock, and other companies operated similarly. Everyone had their networks of mutual interest.
The celebration party was mainly for networking. Hutchison's management entertained guests according to their rank, while Lin personally greeted those of the highest status.
As conversations flowed, someone suddenly asked: "Mr. Lin, with your remarkable investment skills, have you considered establishing a fund — raising capital from others and managing it for them?"
Lin looked over. It was a deputy director from Customs. He smiled: "I haven't thought about it. Mainly because it's too troublesome. If the capital raised is small, I won't earn much. To raise large sums, I'd need to spend time persuading people. I'd rather use that time to run my own businesses."
This wasn't the 21st‑century internet era, where funds could be raised easily through platforms like Alipay. In the late 1970s, fundraising was cumbersome and limited. It wouldn't bring Lin much profit, so why bother?
The deputy director pressed: "If you did establish a fund, we could entrust you with several million Hong Kong dollars. Customs can afford that."
It was a test. Lin had doubled Hutchison's capital in less than half a year — nearly 100% profit. It was enviable.
Officials like them had money but lacked investment skills. They either kept it in banks or bought stable stocks, earning modest returns — sometimes even losses.
Ho YaoHua added: "If you set up a fund, I'd entrust some of my money to you as well."
Though head of Standard Chartered, his personal income was limited. He wanted his assets to grow. His own investments were conservative, yielding little.
Bao YuGang nodded: "Mr. Lin, you should try. Even if I only invest a small amount, it won't affect my wealth. But if your fund delivers high returns, those officials who invested will naturally favor you and your enterprises. After all, you'd be making money for them."
Several others echoed the idea.
Lin smiled: "Since everyone says so, I'll think it over."
He realized he needed to carefully weigh the feasibility of a fund — whether the benefits outweighed the trouble.
After the party, Lin drove Cheng YuFeng home.
On the way, Lin mentioned the proposal and asked YuFeng's opinion.
"Chairman Lin, establishing a fund has pros and cons," YuFeng said after some thought. "If you consistently deliver high returns, your reputation will grow, and those officials who invested will become allies, supporting you and your enterprises.
But if the fund loses money, even if they don't retaliate, they won't treat you kindly. Future dealings will be harder."
Lin nodded thoughtfully: "So, the fund may be worth establishing. Not for profit alone, but for influence. If it succeeds, it boosts my reputation and strengthens ties with political allies. That's invaluable."
Of course, failure would be damaging. But Lin was confident: "In a year, I can guarantee profits. Whether large or small, it will be positive."
He instructed: "YuFeng, you and An Yuan investigate the requirements for establishing a fund — restrictions on fundraising, usage of capital, and so on. Report back to me."
"Yes, Chairman Lin. I'll have answers within two days," YuFeng replied.
Lin added: "One more thing. Contact a headhunting firm to find me a secretary. Ideally, someone who can travel abroad with me. If not, at least someone based in Hong Kong for now."
A secretary would handle routine tasks like contacting people, freeing Lin from relying on YuFeng for everything.
YuFeng agreed: "That shouldn't be difficult. Do you have specific requirements?"
Lin said: "Preferably female, detail‑oriented, discreet. Not necessarily beautiful, but not unattractive. Education doesn't need to be high, just decent. Must speak English. She may also handle some personal matters."
This was more of a lifestyle secretary than a professional administrative one.
YuFeng carefully noted the criteria, planning to be stricter in screening. If Lin wasn't satisfied, it would reflect poorly on him.