Chapter 24: Hang Seng Bank

Despite being Lin Wan'an's son, Lin Wan'an's status in the business world might not even be enough to directly attract the special attention of a heavyweight like Shen Bi, let alone Lin Haoran himself.

Therefore, for Lin Haoran, negotiating directly with Shen Bi would also present a certain level of difficulty.

If he were to approach him proactively, he might very well be turned away at the door.

If he were to directly present the shares of Qingzhou Yingni that he owned, he would certainly be granted an audience with Shen Bi.

However, this would indirectly lead to his identity as a major shareholder of Qingzhou Yingni being known to others.

At this moment, Lin Haoran fully understood that in the business arena, personal influence and status were equally crucial.

The name Bao Yugang flashed through Lin Haoran's mind.

He realized that perhaps through Bao Yugang, a shipping tycoon with extensive connections, he might have an opportunity to meet Shen Bi.

After all, Bao Yugang had left a good impression on him previously and had even warmly invited him to his home, demonstrating a good foundation for their relationship.

However, after this thought circled in his mind for a moment, Lin Haoran dismissed it himself.

The reason was simple: he was currently closely monitoring the movements of Wharf Holdings, attempting to profit from them.

To some extent, such behavior could be viewed as indirectly "blood-sucking" from the interests of Shipping King Bao.

In this context, seeking a meeting with Shen Bi through Bao Yugang would undoubtedly add a layer of complex interpersonal entanglements.

Lin Haoran was well aware that social exchanges in business often come with the exchange of interests, whereas what he was currently pursuing was a more pure and direct commercial cooperation.

Therefore, after careful consideration, he decided to abandon the idea of using Bao Yugang to introduce him to Shen Bi and instead sought other, more suitable ways to achieve his goal.

After a period of deep thought, Lin Haoran soon felt relieved.

He realized that with the Qingzhou Yingni shares as collateral, obtaining a loan was not difficult for him now; he did not necessarily have to rely on Huifeng Bank as his only avenue.

Since there were other options that could achieve the same goal, why dwell excessively on this matter?

Building a good relationship with Huifeng Bank could help him establish a better foothold in Hong Kong and might even benefit his future acquisitions of certain British-funded enterprises, but there was no need to rush such matters.

At this moment, Lin Haoran's heart was filled with anticipation and confidence for the future.

He believed that as long as he continued to work hard in Hong Kong, constantly accumulating experience and strength, he would one day be able to carve out his own territory in this fertile commercial land and establish his own influence.

By then, meeting anyone to discuss cooperation would become effortless, no longer a distant dream.

Thus, Lin Haoran decided to let go of his mental burden and focus on the task at hand.

Since British-funded banks were temporarily unsuitable for this loan business, Lin Haoran turned his attention to Chinese-funded banks.

Soon, Lin Haoran had an idea.

He decided to target Hang Seng Bank, which was a powerhouse among Chinese-funded banks.

Although Hang Seng Bank had faced severe challenges during the bank run of 1965 and was ultimately acquired by HSBC, its core management—especially the position of Chairman—had always been held firmly by its founder, Mr. Ho Sin-hang.

While it might be difficult to meet Mr. Shen Bi directly for the time being, Lin Haoran speculated that he might achieve his goal indirectly through Mr. Ho Sin-hang.

The reason was that the Wan'an Group, founded by his father Lin Wan'an, had always maintained a good cooperative relationship with Hang Seng Bank.

The capital operations of the Wan'an Group relied on the solid financial platform of Hang Seng Bank to proceed smoothly.

Relying on his status as the young master of the Wan'an Group, Lin Haoran believed that regardless of the considerations, Mr. Ho Sin-hang would take into account the deep friendship with the Lin family and the importance of the Wan'an Group to Hang Seng Bank, and grant him an opportunity for a meeting.

After all, in the business world, personal connections and interests are often intertwined, together driving the wheels of cooperation and development forward.

Having clarified his next steps, Lin Haoran first took the Qingzhou Yingni share certificates and then decisively left the office.

It was only just after four in the afternoon; it was still early, the perfect time to make a trip to Hang Seng Bank.

As soon as he got into the car, he sat in the passenger seat and said to Li Weiguo, who had proactively taken the driver's seat, "Weiguo, we are going to 163-165 Queen's Road Central next. I will give directions, and you drive."

Li Weiguo and Li Weidong had only recently passed their driving tests. In just over a week, Lin Haoran had witnessed Li Weiguo's driving skills and was quite appreciative.

Therefore, he felt comfortable handing the steering wheel to Li Weiguo, believing he could handle the task.

As for Li Weidong, he always gave off an impression of being somewhat simple and innocent.

In Lin Haoran's mind, for a task like driving that required high concentration and precise operation, he preferred to let the more skilled Li Weiguo take charge.

Consequently, until Li Weidong's driving skills reached a sufficient level of proficiency, Lin Haoran was determined not to let him drive; after all, safety always came first.

"Yes, Young Master," Li Weiguo responded, starting the vehicle and looking ahead with focused eyes.

He knew that although he had been in Hong Kong for nearly a month, he was still not familiar enough with the layout of the city's streets.

The Young Master, however, was like a living GPS, capable of providing accurate directions.

In his memory, Lin Haoran had naturally been to the Hang Seng Bank headquarters many times, always accompanying his father, Lin Wan'an.

Under Lin Haoran's precise guidance, the vehicle moved swiftly and smoothly through the streets, and a few minutes later, it came to a steady stop in front of the Hang Seng Bank headquarters building.

As a well-known financial institution in the industry, Hang Seng Bank's headquarters was naturally located in the bustling Central district, where many Hong Kong and even international financial institutions converged.

Lin Haoran stepped out of the car with Li Weiguo, and what met their eyes was a five-story building that appeared somewhat unassuming.

Although its height was not prominent in the skyscraper-filled district of Central and even seemed a bit low-profile, it was indeed the famous Hang Seng Bank headquarters.

Entering the lobby, Lin Haoran told the two brothers, Li Weiguo and Li Weidong, to wait for him in the lobby lounge, while he went directly to find the branch manager.

Having visited the Hang Seng Bank headquarters many times, Lin Haoran was recognized by much of the management here.

"Manager Zhang, hello!" With sharp eyes, Lin Haoran quickly spotted the busy Manager Zhang in the crowd and greeted him warmly.

"Oh, Young Master Lin, it has been a long time! How have you been lately? What brings you here today? How can I help you?" Manager Zhang stopped his work and responded with a face full of smiles, clearly surprised by Lin Haoran's arrival.

"I am here to see Chairman Ho regarding some matters. Is the Chairman in the company right now?" Lin Haoran asked.

"Young Master Lin, do you have important matters to discuss with Chairman Ho? Please allow me to confirm whether the Chairman is currently in the office and if it is convenient for him to receive you," Manager Zhang replied politely.

"Alright, then I will trouble you, Manager Zhang," Lin Haoran nodded with a smile in thanks.

A few minutes later, Manager Zhang returned quickly, informing Lin Haoran with a smile, "Young Master Lin, it has been confirmed. Chairman Ho happens to be in his office right now and has specifically instructed me to guide you over. Please follow me."