Chapter 192 Firearms License
Hearing Bao Yugang's words, Lin Haoran didn't continue asking.
He could already guess a few things.
For example, once inside this circle, handling all kinds of matters would become much easier. If necessary, they could even approach Governor MacLehose for help.
Also, the network gathered at the event—both political and business elites—represented the most exclusive and powerful network in Hong Kong. These connections were, in themselves, an incalculable form of wealth.
Looking around, almost everyone present was over forty years old—except him, a man in his early twenties.
One could imagine just how rare and precious Lin Haoran's invitation to such a circle truly was.
After chatting with Bao Yugang for a few minutes, Lin Haoran moved around and struck up conversations with others.
Networking with such powerful figures would be extremely beneficial for his future development in Hong Kong.
Among them was Han Yili, Commissioner of the Hong Kong Royal Police Force—the highest-ranking officer in the police.
Despite his name sounding Chinese, Han Yili was actually a British man. He became Deputy Commissioner in 1974 and was promoted to Commissioner in 1979.
Many British officials in Hong Kong had a Chinese name besides their English one, especially those of high rank—Secretaries of State and above.
Names like David Newbigging, Chris Patten, David Wilson, Denis Bray, Anson Chan, John Bremridge, Carrie Lam, and of course, Governor MacLehose—all had Chinese aliases. Without knowing better, one might assume they were Chinese.
"Commissioner Han, please take good care of me in the future!" Lin Haoran smiled as he struck up a conversation with Han Yili.
The Commissioner was also curious about this young man.
"Mr. Lin, you're quite outstanding. It's rare even in Britain for someone so young to achieve so much," Han Yili praised.
"Thank you for the compliment, Commissioner. Actually, there's a small request I'd like to make—if it's not too much trouble?" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Oh? Please, go ahead," Han Yili said, intrigued.
"Recently, I had a run-in with some thugs. If it weren't for my bodyguards' skills, I might have been kidnapped. What concerns me most is what could have happened if those thugs had guns. Even the best martial artists can't dodge bullets. So, I was hoping to apply for firearms licenses for my two bodyguards. Would that be possible?" Lin Haoran asked.
He had considered this idea back when the incident happened in Mong Kok.
If those thugs had been armed, it could have been very dangerous.
Especially during this era, gang shootouts were not rare in Hong Kong.
Thankfully, they had only encountered low-level gang members; higher-ranked members often carried firearms.
If his bodyguards Li Weiguo and Li Weidong were armed, Lin Haoran's safety would be far better assured.
Li Weidong, as Li Weiguo had mentioned, had been a sharpshooter during his military days, skilled with both rifles and pistols.
Li Weiguo's marksmanship wasn't as exceptional, but he was still highly proficient.
Thus, Lin Haoran had already considered arming both brothers.
Hong Kong's laws were very strict when it came to firearms.
Privately owning a gun was illegal without special permission, aiming to protect the public from gun violence and ensuring only authorized individuals, like police and law enforcement, could carry firearms.
Of course, gangs didn't care about these laws—they lived on the edge and had no regard for regulations.
But Lin Haoran was different. As a legitimate businessman and public figure, if his bodyguards carried weapons illegally and an incident occurred, it could implicate him.
So, if his bodyguards could legally carry firearms, it would be ideal.
If not, he would still prepare for emergencies—better to deal with consequences later than to risk lives.
Now that he had encountered the top police official at this banquet, there was hope.
Applying through normal channels for a firearms license was almost impossible.
But if the Commissioner personally approved it, it would be easy and fully legal.
"Mr. Lin, that's it? No problem. Just come to the Police Headquarters sometime and submit your bodyguards' information. I'll personally handle it," Han Yili agreed without hesitation, surprising Lin Haoran.
Everyone at this banquet had been personally invited by Governor MacLehose. Han Yili was willing to help Lin Haoran partly out of respect for the Governor.
"Thank you so much, Commissioner! When you have time, I'd love to treat you to dinner as thanks," Lin Haoran said gratefully.
"No need. You know our Governor isn't fond of such gestures," Han Yili replied with a smile.
The newly established ICAC (Independent Commission Against Corruption) had changed everything.
Before the ICAC's founding, corruption in Hong Kong had been rampant.
Even firefighters had to be bribed to do their jobs; otherwise, they would simply watch a building burn down.
One famous quote from a police superintendent later convicted during the ICAC crackdown stated: "Corruption among Hong Kong police was as natural as sleeping at night, waking up in the morning, and brushing your teeth."
On February 15, 1974, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the ordinance establishing the ICAC—an independent anti-corruption body free from influence by the police or any other department.
Since then, corruption had been severely curtailed.
Clearly, Commissioner Han Yili was cautious to avoid any suspicion.
The atmosphere at the Governor's banquet was relaxed. Everyone present held significant status, and there was no excessive flattery.
British-style banquets were usually buffet-style.
Guests mingled casually, chatting with those they wished, often clinking glasses with a casual "cheers."
As the host, Governor MacLehose made a point to toast individually with each guest, including Lin Haoran.
"Mr. Lin, when I have time, let's arrange a private meeting," MacLehose said with a smile as he toasted Lin Haoran.
Lin Haoran was a little surprised but quickly responded, "Of course. I look forward to speaking with you privately, Governor."
No matter how rich a businessman was, he could never compare to a Governor's political power.
Maintaining a good relationship with Governor MacLehose was undoubtedly the best strategy for developing his business in Hong Kong.
If they offended the authorities, it didn't matter how law-abiding they were—there were always ways to make life difficult.
After MacLehose moved on to toast other guests, David Newbigging from HSBC came over.
"Cheers."
The two clinked glasses and took a small sip of wine.
"Mr. Lin, I had a lot of faith in you from the beginning. I didn't expect you to achieve so much in just a year—truly impressive!" Newbigging said with a smile.
"I was just lucky. I hope you'll continue to guide me in business," Lin Haoran replied humbly.
"Mr. Lin, have you ever considered joining HSBC as a board member?" Newbigging asked directly.
A board member of HSBC?
Lin Haoran was surprised.
"But Mr. Newbigging, I'm neither a major shareholder nor part of HSBC's senior management. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to be a board member?" Lin Haoran asked, puzzled.
"That's easy to fix. HSBC and Hong Kong Electric Group could cross-hold shares. That would make you a shareholder of HSBC. Actually, most people here, besides the political figures and you, are already HSBC board members—including Mr. Li Jiacheng, whom I also recently invited," Newbigging explained with a smile.
Hearing this, Lin Haoran was shocked.
HSBC was clearly trying to consolidate all the major business tycoons into their network.
No wonder HSBC remained the financial giant of Hong Kong—with such powerful connections, who could rival them?
It was a golden opportunity. Lin Haoran didn't hesitate long before agreeing.
"Mr. Newbigging, I accept," Lin Haoran said decisively.
"Good. Let's find a time to discuss it in detail," Newbigging said with satisfaction.
The banquet lasted until after nine o'clock at night.
This evening at the Governor's House had been extremely rewarding for Lin Haoran—not only meeting many of Hong Kong's top political and business figures but also earning the Governor's appreciation.
"Boss, where to?" Li Weiguo asked after they got into the car.
He was asking whether they should head to the Sassoon Road villa or back to Deep Water Bay.
"Back to Deep Water Bay. It's still the first day of the new year," Lin Haoran said.
"Understood, Boss."
The car slowly pulled away from the Governor's House.
Tonight, Hong Kong's streets were particularly peaceful, with few pedestrians and cars, but lights blazed brightly in every home as families gathered to celebrate.
Lin Haoran had no plans to engage in any work activities from New Year's Eve through the second day of the New Year.
If not for Governor MacLehose's invitation, he wouldn't have gone out tonight.
Tomorrow was the second day of the New Year—traditionally the day for married daughters to return to their parents' home.
His two elder sisters would surely return with their husbands and children.
They had always treated Lin Haoran very well, and he naturally appreciated that.
Thus, he intended to stay at the Deep Water Bay villa to welcome them.
The stock exchange wouldn't reopen until the third day of the New Year.
Then, the battles would resume.
China Gas Company would soon face an attack from Jardines Matheson.
Whether Lin Haoran could take over China Gas would depend on how aggressively Jardines launched their offensive.
"Weiguo, Weidong, missing home during the New Year?" Lin Haoran asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I miss my parents. I just hope they haven't been affected because I crossed over illegally," Li Weidong said straightforwardly.
"I miss my family too. My parents are gone, but my grandparents are still around. I wonder how they're doing," Li Weiguo said while driving.
"Have you ever thought about bringing them to Hong Kong?" Lin Haoran laughed.
"Of course, but I don't dare go back. If I do, I might get arrested by the authorities, let alone bring them here," Li Weidong said, a bit dejected.
After all, it was the New Year. Although they were eating well and living well in Hong Kong, the special occasion naturally made them homesick.
"This year, I'll find a way to bring your families to Hong Kong," Lin Haoran promised.
Although they hadn't said much these past two days, Lin Haoran could clearly sense their low spirits.
They had crossed over illegally in 1978; it had been more than a year, and this was already their second New Year in Hong Kong.
It was clear they missed home.
Now that Lin Haoran had significant resources, he was planning to start investing in Pengcheng.
Once the opportunity arose, he would arrange to bring Li Weiguo's and Li Weidong's families to Hong Kong.
This way, their loyalty would be even more absolute.
Lin Haoran's safety depended on them—it was only right to take good care of them.
(This chapter ends.)
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