Chapter 287 Honorary President, President Liu's Invitation
On the morning of August 17th, Guo Xiaohan left early, with a car sent to pick her up.
Following her was Li Weidong.
With Li Weidong protecting her, Lin Haoran could feel more at ease.
Over the past two years, Li Weidong had often studied English in his spare time.
Although he wasn't fluent, he could now understand and speak basic English quite competently.
Additionally, he had always been quick-witted and reliable in handling matters.
By contrast, Li Weiguo, though stronger in physical force, clearly wasn't as quick-minded and couldn't pick up languages as easily.
This was precisely why Lin Haoran chose Li Weidong to accompany and protect Guo Xiaohan.
Lin Haoran stayed in the hotel until about 10 a.m. before heading out.
Of the dozen or so Hong Kong tycoons, nearly half had booked flights for today.
While they had been flown in on a chartered flight, their return trips were arranged individually since everyone's schedules differed.
For example, Li Jiacheng had a flight around noon.
His companies, Cheung Kong Holdings and Hutchison Whampoa, still had a mountain of matters waiting for him.
Especially Hutchison Whampoa, where he was maneuvering to gain full control after securing a 40% stake.
Thus, he couldn't afford to linger in Britain.
Stuart Symington was traveling with Li Jiacheng, also returning because Swire Pacific's primary operations were based in Hong Kong.
As for Nevil Jodrell and Shen Bi, acting as agents for British consortia, they had discussions to conduct with their backers and were not in a hurry to leave.
Bao Yugang wasn't rushing either, as he had extensive business dealings across Britain and Europe.
The once lively hotel floor was quickly filled with unfamiliar guests, leaving Lin Haoran a little nostalgic.
He himself wasn't in any rush to return.
Upon exiting the hotel, he found Henry already waiting in the driver's seat.
Perhaps aware that Lin Haoran had no established businesses in Britain, the British government had thoughtfully arranged for Henry to remain at his service even after the official itinerary had ended.
"Mr. Lin, where would you like to go today?" Henry asked respectfully once Lin Haoran and Li Weiguo were seated.
"Let's go to Tang Tower in Chinatown," Lin Haoran answered directly.
"Yes, Mr. Lin," Henry replied, starting the car and smoothly pulling away from the Dorchester Hotel.
He had been very comfortable at this hotel—with excellent service and a prime location—so even though the official events had ended, Lin Haoran had no intention of relocating.
About ten minutes later, the Rolls-Royce pulled up at the parking space outside Tang Tower.
As Lin Haoran entered the lobby, he immediately saw Manager Wu reprimanding a supervisor at the front desk.
Noticing Lin Haoran, Manager Wu quickly dismissed the supervisor and hurried over.
"Young Master Lin, you're here to see the boss, right? He's upstairs, along with President Liu. They seem to be discussing something," Manager Wu said with a smile before Lin Haoran could even speak.
"Alright, I know. Get back to work," Lin Haoran nodded, unconcerned.
"If you need anything, just let me know," Manager Wu added respectfully.
Lin Haoran nodded again and headed toward the elevator.
Since Tang Kun was discussing business, normally it wouldn't be appropriate to interrupt.
But since it was President Liu, whom he knew well, he figured it wouldn't be a big issue—they were probably just having tea.
When he reached the third floor, he walked straight to Tang Kun's private tea room and knocked on the door.
Soon, Tang Kun's voice called out, "Come in."
Lin Haoran opened the door and, as expected, saw Tang Kun and President Liu sitting inside.
"Haoran? Come in, come in," Tang Kun said with pleasant surprise.
President Liu also looked a bit surprised to see him.
"Good morning, Uncle Tang, Uncle Liu," Lin Haoran greeted them with a smile.
He glanced at the table, which was set not just with a tea set but also with various Cantonese-style dim sum.
Over the past week, with all the official arrangements, Lin Haoran hadn't found time to come back for tea with Tang Kun after the Chamber of Commerce dinner event.
"I saw your photo in the newspapers," Tang Kun said, smiling as Lin Haoran sat down.
"Finally over.
This past week, I've been following their schedule non-stop—meeting the Prime Minister, meeting the Queen—so busy I didn't even have time for tea with you, Uncle Tang," Lin Haoran replied with a wry smile.
"That's something to celebrate!
Many dream of meeting the Queen and never get the chance.
For instance, I never had the honor.
Old Liu here has been received twice already—and even knighted!" Tang Kun said, half-jokingly envious.
"It was just a low-ranking knighthood," President Liu said with mock modesty, though he couldn't hide the pride on his face.
In Britain, being awarded a knighthood was a tremendous honor—a clever way for the monarchy to win loyalty.
Governor MacLehose had hinted to Lin Haoran that his name had already been submitted for consideration, and if nothing went wrong, he might be knighted this year.
But Lin Haoran wasn't British and had no interest in such symbolic rewards.
"What are your plans next, Haoran? Going back to Hong Kong?" Tang Kun asked.
Shaking his head, Lin Haoran said,
"No, Uncle Tang.
I plan to stay in London for a few more days—research the local business environment more thoroughly.
This past week gave me a surface-level understanding, but I want deeper insights.
I aim to expand my businesses into Britain and Europe within the next year.
It's not sustainable to keep everything tied to Hong Kong.
And with someone like you here, Uncle Tang, if I can't succeed in Britain, I probably wouldn't succeed elsewhere either," Lin Haoran said with a laugh.
"What industries are you planning to enter?
Anything I can help with, I'll do my best," Tang Kun asked curiously.
"Real estate, appliance trade, security consulting—these are the main ones for now.
They're areas I'm already involved in back in Hong Kong," Lin Haoran said after thinking a moment.
He knew London's real estate wouldn't appreciate as explosively as Hong Kong's, but the trend was still upward.
As for appliances, he planned to export products from Foxtrot Electronics, under Hongkong Electric, into Europe.
Building the Foxtrot brand would be a breakthrough opportunity.
For security consulting, the company he named Global Universal Security Advisors hinted at his ambition to build a global network similar to G4S.
While difficult, without dreams, what was the point?
Public utility sectors like buses, electricity, and gas were harder to enter because of government regulations.
Hongkong Electric had been trying to bid for projects in Thailand—without government invitation, there was no chance.
However, industries like real estate, trade, and security had no entry barriers.
As long as you had money, you could jump right in.
"I have considerable influence in British business circles.
If you want to expand here, I can help," President Liu added with a smile.
"Then I'll thank you in advance, Uncle Liu," Lin Haoran said solemnly.
Regardless of their motives, it was courteous to accept the goodwill.
"By the way, Haoran, the Chamber's executive meeting was held two days ago.
After discussions among the President, Executive Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretary-General, and Board Members, we decided to confer upon you the title of Honorary President of the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Don't rush to refuse—it's purely honorary. You won't have any actual duties," President Liu said with a smile.
"Honorary President?
Uncle Liu, you're too kind.
I'm only twenty-six years old," Lin Haoran said with a helpless smile.
The title sounded even grander than Vice President, although it carried no real responsibilities.
Still, even being named Vice President hadn't interested him much.
"Haoran, it's your capabilities that we recognize, not your age.
In the future, whenever you visit the UK, feel free to visit our headquarters—it's just two hundred meters from Tang Tower in Chinatown.
Many members gather there for tea and business talks," President Liu said warmly.
"You should accept it, Haoran.
It's all benefits and no burdens.
With this title, people will be more inclined to respect you in business dealings," Tang Kun also advised.
In the end, Lin Haoran agreed.
An honorary title was just that—an extra label he didn't mind carrying.
Besides, the British Chinese Chamber of Commerce was on a completely different level compared to the one in Hong Kong.
Seeing Lin Haoran agree, President Liu finally relaxed.
Once the Mayor of London showed great respect to Lin Haoran, the Chamber had unanimously agreed to recognize him regardless of age or background.
In business, financial strength was everything.
They continued chatting over tea.
During a break, when Tang Kun went to the restroom, President Liu leaned over and whispered,
"Haoran, can we have a private talk this afternoon?"
"Of course, Uncle Liu," Lin Haoran agreed immediately.
Clearly, President Liu wanted to discuss investment in Supplee Company privately—fearing that Tang Kun might dissuade Lin Haoran if he stayed present.
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