Chapter 285 Vice President? Better Not
Suddenly, President Liu seemed to have a flash of inspiration. His eyes lit up, and he looked at Lin Haoran with great anticipation.
"Mr. Lin, would you perhaps be interested in financing Supplee Company? If you are willing, I can recommend you to the board of directors. I believe that if they knew someone like you was willing to invest, they would be extremely welcoming—especially someone with such abundant financial strength," President Liu said enthusiastically, grabbing Lin Haoran's shoulder.
"Uh, President Liu, your proposal is really quite sudden.
I never even considered it.
Besides, I'm still very unfamiliar with Supplee Company. I only learned a little from our conversation just now," Lin Haoran replied with a wry smile.
Even with ample funds at his disposal, he could not blindly invest in a company he knew nothing about—especially one currently in trouble. Otherwise, he might just end up being the fool who got burned.
"Old Liu, don't just think about dragging people into trouble.
Don't get Haoran involved.
I've been through life and death with his father.
If he gets dragged into a bad deal and his father finds out, he'll scold me to death," Tang Kun couldn't help but interject with a bitter smile.
"Haoran, please think it over.
When you return, you can study Supplee Company's situation in more detail.
If you need detailed information, just let me know.
I can provide you with all the company's data," President Liu persisted, unwilling to give up.
In President Liu's view, Lin Haoran clearly had stronger financial resources than many major consortia.
If he invested, Supplee might really stand a chance against DHL's vicious competition.
"Alright, President Liu, I'll seriously consider it," Lin Haoran nodded, keeping his words deliberately vague.
Regardless of his final decision, he didn't want to reject them outright for now.
In his mind, Lin Haoran began calculating.
He was indeed interested in learning more about Supplee Company.
After all, the logistics industry had great potential for growth both now and in the future.
Especially with the upcoming rise of the internet and online shopping, logistics would see explosive development.
If Supplee had genuine competitiveness and potential, he might indeed consider investing.
As for DHL's malicious competition?
Lin Haoran wasn't overly concerned.
The world was vast, and logistics giants would inevitably emerge—names like Maersk, Kuehne + Nagel, FedEx, UPS, ZTO Express, YTO Express, and China Post came to mind.
In this industry, achieving complete monopoly was simply impossible.
However, at this stage, logistics volumes were much lower than they would be in the future, so the market was more limited.
Any company capturing even a small share meant someone else losing it.
Hearing Lin Haoran's response, President Liu secretly sighed in relief.
As Supplee's fourth-largest shareholder, President Liu naturally didn't want to see Supplee fall from second place in the industry—especially since it directly affected his personal wealth.
In Hong Kong, the logistics sector was dominated mostly by foreign brands.
Although Bao Yugang's Global Shipping Group could be considered part of logistics, its business model was relatively narrow, limited mainly to shipping freight.
If possible, Lin Haoran thought, he could eventually develop a logistics company of his own.
After that, Lin Haoran resumed quietly listening, sipping tea, nibbling on pastries, while President Liu and Tang Kun discussed potential collaborations and other business matters openly in front of him.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was around 9 p.m.
Given that many attendees were in their sixties or seventies, it was natural for the event to begin winding down.
"By the way, Mr. Lin, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," President Liu said as people began preparing to leave.
"President Liu, about the financing matter, I'll think it over carefully after I return," Lin Haoran said, assuming President Liu was still referring to Supplee Company.
Without enough information, Lin Haoran wasn't about to make a hasty decision.
However, President Liu shook his head and smiled.
"Mr. Lin, I'm not talking about that.
As the President of the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce, I would like to formally invite you to join us.
Would you be interested?"
"Joining the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce?
Well, President Liu, I'm from Hong Kong and don't even have any investments in Britain yet.
Wouldn't it be inappropriate?" Lin Haoran asked, surprised.
"It doesn't matter, Mr. Lin.
We have several members who aren't permanently based in the UK but are still part of our Chamber.
It's mostly symbolic.
And being part of our Chamber would make it easier for future collaborations.
We have strong connections here—it can only benefit you," President Liu explained.
"Haoran, it's true.
You wouldn't lose anything by joining," Tang Kun added with a smile.
"Since Uncle Tang says so, how could I refuse?
Alright, I'll join the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
Joining a Chamber didn't cost him anything.
In Hong Kong, he had also joined a Chamber of Commerce.
It didn't matter if he joined another one here.
These Chambers were the ones seeking him out, not the other way around.
They just wanted to boost their prestige by adding his name to their rosters.
After all, Lin Haoran's financial strength now surpassed that of anyone present.
"That's wonderful!
In that case, Mr. Lin, how about taking a Vice President position?
I'll convene a Chamber meeting soon, and given everyone's understanding of your background now, I'm sure it will be approved," President Liu said excitedly.
"Better not," Lin Haoran quickly refused.
"You know my businesses are mainly based in Hong Kong.
Even if I expand to the UK in the future, I won't be based here permanently.
Holding a Vice President position would just be a waste. There's no need to give me an actual title."
He had no interest in being Vice President even of the Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce—let alone the British one.
"In that case, I'll discuss it further with the Chamber's leadership and inform you of the outcome.
If I can't reach you, I'll contact Old Tang," President Liu said with a hearty laugh.
"President Liu, let's drop the formalities.
I'm only in my twenties; you are a true senior in the business world.
Just call me Haoran, like Uncle Tang does.
I'll call you Uncle Liu," Lin Haoran said with a wry smile.
"Success has no age, Haoran.
Your achievements already rival or surpass mine.
But since you insist, I'll call you Haoran," President Liu said cheerfully.
In fact, he felt relieved.
After all, Lin Haoran was just a young man, almost twenty years younger than his own son.
They chatted a bit more, and then the event came to an end.
On the way back in Tang Kun's car, Tang Kun advised him,
"Haoran, don't take President Liu's proposal about investing in Supplee Company too seriously.
The waters run deep there—one careless move could cost you dearly."
"Don't worry, Uncle Tang.
I know what I'm doing," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"DHL has massive financial backing.
Even you, with all your resources, might struggle against their backers.
There are plenty of ways to make money; no need to throw yourself into danger," Tang Kun said earnestly.
"I understand.
Thanks for the advice, Uncle Tang.
Oh, by the way, could you arrange for someone to take me back to the hotel after we return to Tang Tower?" Lin Haoran asked, changing the subject.
"Ah Wei, take Young Master Lin back to the hotel later," Tang Kun instructed his driver.
"Yes, Boss. Don't worry," the driver replied as he drove.
After returning to Tang Tower, Tang Kun got out of the car, and Li Weiguo joined Lin Haoran.
It took just ten minutes to get back to the Dorchester Hotel.
Swiping his key card, Lin Haoran entered the suite's living room—only to find Guo Xiaohan still awake, watching TV.
Hearing the door open, Guo Xiaohan stood up.
Seeing it was Lin Haoran and the two bodyguards, she visibly relaxed and smiled.
"Brother Haoran, you're finally back."
Lin Haoran glanced at the clock—it was almost 10 p.m.
He asked in surprise, "Xiaohan, why are you still awake?"
"It's still early.
I wanted to wait for you before going to bed," Guo Xiaohan replied.
Her words sounded slightly ambiguous—as if she had been waiting to go to sleep with him.
"Better get some sleep soon.
According to the schedule, we have to go to 10 Downing Street tomorrow at 9 a.m. to meet the Prime Minister.
You'll come along with me—you'll get some valuable experience," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
The meeting would be attended by the Hong Kong delegation's major figures, and Guo Xiaohan, posing as his assistant, could accompany him without issue.
"Alright, I'll head to bed now.
You should sleep early too, Brother Haoran," Guo Xiaohan said sweetly.
"Good night!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Good night!" Guo Xiaohan replied softly.
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