Chapter 240: MacLehose's Misunderstanding
After finishing his discussion with Chen Shoulin, Lin Haoran left Hongkong Electric. Before leaving, however, he made a call to Cui Zilong, instructing him to come to Wanqing Tower — there was something important to discuss. As for Chen Shoulin, he was tasked with gathering evidence and preparing a lawsuit against the Hong Kong Times for fabricating stories and damaging the reputation of Foreshine Electrical Company.
Since a decision had already been made, they might as well blow the matter up. They had logic and evidence on their side, so they weren't afraid of public attention. Besides, if they allowed things to continue quietly, Foreshine's reputation would still suffer. It was better to bring the truth to light. With Oriental Daily steering public opinion, Lin Haoran was confident they could reverse public perception. After all, among Hong Kong's newspapers, Oriental Daily was seen as far more authoritative than the Hong Kong Times.
Backed by Oriental Daily, Chen Shoulin would also feel more confident in fighting back.
Riding in his Rolls-Royce, Lin Haoran soon returned to Wanqing Tower. He went straight up to his office, carrying a few newspapers — including a copy of the Hong Kong Times and several other smaller-circulation papers.
Not long after, Cui Zilong arrived.
"Boss, you asked to see me. Is it urgent?" Cui Zilong asked as soon as he entered.
"Sit down. No rush," Lin Haoran said with a smile, pointing at the chairs across from his desk.
Once seated, Lin Haoran handed him the stack of newspapers.
Cui Zilong took the papers and flipped through them, not immediately noticing anything special.
Looking puzzled, he raised his head.
"Foreshine Electrical is a subsidiary of Hongkong Electric," Lin Haoran reminded him.
Finally understanding, Cui Zilong re-examined the newspapers carefully, this time catching the slanderous reports targeting Foreshine Electrical.
Lin Haoran then explained the full situation.
"I want you to quickly investigate whether Jardine Matheson is behind this. At the same time, get in touch with Hongkong Electric's President Chen Shoulin and coordinate with him on countermeasures. We must not allow other media to continue smearing us. Also, dig into that couple's family — see if there are any connections to Jardine. You know how to handle it," Lin Haoran instructed.
"Understood, Boss. I'll return immediately to arrange everything and ensure that the counterattack begins with tomorrow's newspapers!" Cui Zilong replied firmly.
"Good. And be discreet — leave no evidence behind," Lin Haoran reminded him.
"Of course, Boss," Cui Zilong said before swiftly departing.
Watching him leave, Lin Haoran sat in deep thought.
If it truly was Jardine Matheson behind this, it would be troublesome — but Lin Haoran wasn't afraid.
There had to be rules, at least on the surface.
He knew that the Governor's office would likely favor Jardines.
But he wasn't without leverage.
Being provoked for no reason was incredibly frustrating.
If evidence proved Jardines was guilty, he would retaliate mercilessly.
Jardine Matheson had plenty of skeletons in its closet; the only difference was that most were rarely exposed.
This was just another lesson in the brutal world of business.
"I should probably visit the Governor's Mansion," Lin Haoran mused.
He didn't expect Governor MacLehose to side with him, but at least he could ask him to stay neutral.
As long as MacLehose didn't interfere, Lin Haoran had full confidence he could deal with Jardines.
Thus, without wasting time, Lin Haoran called the Governor's Mansion.
The call connected quickly.
On the other end was none other than Governor Murray MacLehose himself.
"Good afternoon, Governor. May I ask if you're available? I'd like to visit," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
At the Governor's banquet earlier this year, MacLehose had casually mentioned that Lin Haoran was welcome to visit privately whenever he wished.
"Ah, Mr. Lin! Of course, I'm available. I'm at the Governor's Mansion now. Please come over," MacLehose said warmly.
"I'll be there within twenty minutes," Lin Haoran replied.
Wanqing Tower was located in the heart of Central's Des Voeux Road, less than two kilometers from the Governor's Mansion — an easy twenty-minute drive even accounting for the hilly terrain.
Lin Haoran quickly grabbed his things, called Li Weiguo and Li Weidong, and left Wanqing Tower for the Governor's Mansion.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the gates.
Staff members, already informed of his visit, greeted him promptly and led him toward the Governor's private office.
Li Weiguo and Li Weidong were directed to a lounge to wait.
This was Lin Haoran's first formal private meeting with Governor MacLehose.
Upon entering, MacLehose rose from behind his desk, smiling as he extended his hand.
"Mr. Lin, welcome. Please, have a seat," he said warmly.
"Governor, it's been a long time. I hope I'm not disturbing you," Lin Haoran replied politely, shaking his hand before following him to the seating area beside the office.
Indeed, it had been several months since their last meeting — back during the Lunar New Year banquet in February. Now it was June.
"Tea or coffee, Mr. Lin?" MacLehose asked once they were seated.
"Coffee, with sugar. Thank you," Lin Haoran answered with a smile.
Soon, a secretary brought in two steaming cups of coffee.
Back at the Lunar New Year banquet, they had only exchanged a few words.
At that time, Lin Haoran was still a newcomer — merely someone worthy of notice but not yet a heavyweight.
Since then, however, Lin Haoran had repeatedly made headlines with major acquisitions, skyrocketing his influence.
Today's meeting was the first genuine, serious exchange between them.
"Mr. Lin, you've truly impressed me these past few months," MacLehose said, full of admiration.
Back in February, Lin Haoran had just taken control of Hongkong Electric, marking his entry into the elite circle.
Now, not only had he solidified that position, but he had also acquired Hong Kong and China Gas, Kowloon Motor Bus, and two major commercial buildings — all within a few months.
MacLehose had access to the best intelligence in Hong Kong.
He knew that Lin Haoran had also quietly acquired Oriental Daily, the territory's top-selling newspaper.
Such rapid and consistent victories were rare — even among Hong Kong's most seasoned tycoons.
"Just lucky," Lin Haoran said modestly.
"Mr. Lin, I have to ask — what exactly is your relationship with Citibank?" MacLehose asked bluntly.
They had investigated, of course, but only the highest ranks at Citibank knew the truth.
Officially, Citibank denied Lin Haoran was their agent — but they were suspiciously secretive about the actual financial arrangements.
"I have a very good relationship with Citibank," Lin Haoran said calmly. "They've given me great support. I owe much of my success to their help. Last year, when I visited New York, I met with Citibank's Chairman Walter Wriston privately. We got along very well. I'm very grateful for their assistance."
Indeed, Citibank had helped Lin Haoran enormously during his investments in oil and gold futures.
But it had been a purely commercial arrangement — a mutually beneficial deal.
Had he approached JPMorgan, Wells Fargo, Merrill Lynch, or Goldman Sachs, they would have jumped at the same opportunity.
Nevertheless, MacLehose misunderstood Lin Haoran's words.
He frowned slightly. Could it be that Lin Haoran really was acting on Citibank's behalf?
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