NOVEL WEB Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Uncle Bao Wants to Test You, How About It?
Chapter 21 Uncle Bao Wants to Test You, How About It?
In September 9th's Hong Kong, the air was still warm, the perfect season for swimming in the blue waves.
Deep Water Bay villa district, a hidden paradise, boasted a pristine, untouched stretch of white sandy beach.
This precious coastal area was not open to the public but served exclusively as a private haven for the villa district's elite residents.
Here, privilege was not merely a symbol of status but also meant the exclusive enjoyment of nature's tranquility and beauty.
Residents could stroll leisurely on the soft sands at sunrise or sunset, or dive into the clear sea to enjoy refreshing moments of freedom and exhilaration.
Such a lifestyle was undeniably a unique happiness and luxury reserved for the privileged class.
At this moment, Lin Haoran had just leisurely emerged from the azure sea, his body still carrying the salty scent and coolness of the seawater.
He lazily put on his sunglasses and relaxed onto a beach chair, allowing the sea breeze to gently caress him, a satisfied and relaxed smile on his face.
Beside him, a young, graceful Filipina maid from the Lin family, handed him a chilled Coke with a sweet and respectful gesture.
Taking the Coke, Lin Haoran popped the cap open.
With a soft "psst" sound, a wave of icy carbonated bubbles instantly rushed into his mouth, bringing an indescribable coolness that seemed to sweep away all the heat of the summer.
Meanwhile, Li Weiguo and Li Weidong stood nearby, clearly enchanted by this unprecedented experience of luxury.
They had never imagined that one day they would set foot on such a private, beautiful beach and enjoy leisure moments reserved for the privileged.
With no urgent work pressing on him, Lin Haoran chose to stay leisurely at Deep Water Bay villa, savoring this rare tranquility and relaxation.
As for Huafeng Cement Factory, he had temporarily let go of it, trusting the original management team to maintain stability without his direct involvement.
Lin Yi and the others had already been reassigned by Lin Wanan from Huafeng Cement Factory.
Lin Haoran didn't pay any attention to their new positions—after all, they were just Lin Haoning's spies, not worth another thought.
Earlier that morning, Lin Haoran had called Yang Changdao from Yumin Finance Company.
The response was that the expedited approval was already underway, and barring unforeseen issues, the funds would arrive the next day.
Hearing this, Lin Haoran felt completely reassured.
Once the fifty million Hong Kong dollars arrived, he could act boldly.
Even Li Jiacheng would not intimidate him!
As Lin Haoran sat with his eyes closed, enjoying the sea breeze, he suddenly sensed someone approaching.
"Young man, whose son are you? You look familiar," a hearty and kind voice greeted him.
Lin Haoran slowly opened his eyes and was slightly stunned by what he saw.
Standing before him, wearing simple beach shorts, was an elderly man with a warm smile—none other than the famous King of Shipping, Bao Yugang!
Behind Bao Yugang stood a stern-looking bodyguard in sunglasses, adding to his imposing presence.
"Uncle Bao, hello. I'm Lin Haoran, the youngest son of Lin Wanan," Lin Haoran greeted respectfully as he stood up.
He knew that Bao Yugang was not only a legendary figure in the business world but also a senior worth respecting.
Bao Yugang smiled kindly upon hearing his introduction and responded warmly,
"Oh, so you're the Lin family's boy. No wonder you looked so familiar."
Although Deep Water Bay villa district had few residents, every household was either wealthy or influential.
Though the neighbors didn't often visit each other, they were familiar faces.
Lin Wanan, as the head of Wanan Group, wasn't on the level of Bao Yugang, but he was still a well-known figure in Hong Kong's business circles, so Bao Yugang naturally recognized the Lin family.
The Lin family had settled in Deep Water Bay more than a decade ago.
Bao Yugang then lay down on the beach chair next to Lin Haoran, letting the sea breeze blow as he chatted leisurely.
Lin Haoran hadn't expected that a casual swim would lead to a conversation with the renowned King of Shipping.
"Haoran, judging by your appearance, you must still be in school?" Bao Yugang asked with a smile.
"Uncle Bao, you flatter me. I just graduated from London Business School and returned to Hong Kong two months ago," Lin Haoran answered with a smile.
"Oh? A graduate of London Business School? Then, how about Uncle Bao gives you a little test?" Bao Yugang said with great interest.
"Uncle Bao, please go ahead," Lin Haoran replied confidently.
"You must have heard that I recently became the largest shareholder of Wharf Holdings, right?
Why do you think I acquired shares in Wharf?" Bao Yugang asked, clearly intrigued.
"Uncle Bao started from shipping and is now famously known as the 'World's Shipping King.'
The reason you stepped into land-based businesses and targeted Wharf Holdings, a traditional British enterprise,
I suspect is because you foresee the decline of the shipping industry and thus decided to shift your investment strategy from the sea to the land," Lin Haoran answered simply.
"And why do you hold a pessimistic view of the shipping industry's future?" Bao Yugang's interest deepened.
"Born into a business family, I've always been fascinated by the commercial world.
This passion has driven me to study various market dynamics and industry trends closely.
In recent years, global economic recovery has been slow, suppressing international trade growth and weakening the demand for shipping services.
Uncle Bao, do you recall the 1973 global oil crisis?
Now, Persia is experiencing turmoil with its Islamic revolution.
Since August, strikes and protests have paralyzed the nation's operations.
If Persia's internal conflict escalates into civil war, it could disrupt oil exports, triggering a second oil crisis.
If that happens, oil prices will skyrocket, global economies will falter further, and recession will deepen.
This would push up shipping operation costs and squeeze profit margins, making survival harder for shipping companies.
Additionally, after the 1960s' golden era, massive blind investments led to a glut of ships.
Today, excess capacity in a weak market has severely distorted supply and demand.
Competition among shipping companies has become brutal, leading to relentless price wars, further deteriorating the business environment.
Considering these factors, I cautiously predict the global shipping industry is heading into a prolonged recession," Lin Haoran explained calmly yet insightfully.
"Haoran, your analysis is truly sharp and profound!
I didn't expect such a young man to have such a broad vision and keen insight.
Lin Wanan has truly raised an outstanding son. Your future is limitless!" Bao Yugang exclaimed with admiration, his eyes filled with appreciation.
Just then, an assistant hurried over to Bao Yugang and whispered,
"Chairman Bao, there's an urgent call for you from home."
Hearing this, Bao Yugang showed a wry smile and said to Lin Haoran,
"Ah, I had hoped to relax and enjoy the sea breeze for a bit.
But it seems I can't escape after all.
Haoran, I must go now.
In the future, you're welcome to visit my home—we can have a proper conversation then."
Although their conversation had been brief, Lin Haoran's unique insights and calm demeanor had left a strong impression on Bao Yugang.
"Take care, Uncle Bao," Lin Haoran stood up to see him off.
"Young Master, who was that old man? He looked quite distinguished," Li Weiguo asked curiously once Bao Yugang had left.
"That's him—the world-famous King of Shipping," Lin Haoran answered with a smile.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1