Chapter 25: A Pleasant Collaboration

Following Manager Zhang, Lin Haoran soon arrived at the office of the Chairman of Hang Seng Bank on the third floor.

He stepped into the room, his gaze immediately falling upon Chairman Ho Sin-hang, who sat behind his desk with a dignified and benevolent air.

"Uncle Ho, hello! I apologize for this sudden visit; I hope you don't mind the intrusion," Lin Haoran said, addressing him as a junior would.

This Uncle Ho was not only a titan of the industry but also a long-time friend of his father’s. Having accompanied his father on previous visits, Lin Haoran had always addressed him as "Uncle Ho," and they shared a modest rapport.

Now seventy-nine years old, Ho Sin-hang bore the deep marks of time on his face, his silver hair gleaming brilliantly under the office lights. Yet, Lin Haoran knew that this seemingly elderly man possessed vitality and wisdom far beyond the ordinary. Based on his memories from his previous life, he knew Mr. Ho would continue to lead Hang Seng Bank until the ripe age of ninety-seven before passing away peacefully.

"Little Lin, you’ve come to see me specifically—is there something you need help with?" Ho Sin-hang asked with a warm, curious smile after Lin Haoran had taken a seat.

He had just finished a busy meeting and was preparing to rest when Manager Zhang from the lobby rushed in to report that Lin Haoran was asking to see him. At first, he thought he had misheard; after all, he knew this young man had only recently graduated. Why would he have business with an old man in the banking industry? But after Manager Zhang confirmed it, his doubts vanished, replaced by curiosity and anticipation.

"Uncle Ho, I would like to discuss a collaboration with you," Lin Haoran said earnestly.

"Oh? What kind of collaboration would bring you to me?" Ho Sin-hang asked, slightly surprised, a playful smile at the corner of his mouth as he assumed Lin Haoran was joking.

"Uncle Ho, I have a favor to ask. This matter is extremely important to me. I hope you can keep the contents of our conversation, including the proposal I am about to make, strictly confidential—even from my father, Lin Wan'an. Can you agree to this request?" Lin Haoran looked at him seriously.

He knew this was a significant request, one that would determine whether his carefully laid plans could proceed smoothly. He desperately needed Ho Sin-hang’s promise to guarantee absolute secrecy. If word got out, especially to his father, it could trigger unnecessary interference and misunderstandings, causing incalculable damage to his future plans. He watched Ho Sin-hang expectantly, waiting for his reply.

Before securing sufficient gains from the Wharf, Lin Haoran had no intention of revealing to his father that he had already acquired a massive fortune.

Seeing the gravity of Lin Haoran’s request, a flicker of curiosity crossed Ho Sin-hang’s eyes. He smiled slightly, his tone revealing his intrigue: "Little Lin, since you are so serious, I agree. I will keep our conversation today strictly confidential; I won't breathe a word of it to your father, Lin Wan'an. Now, you can speak freely. I am quite curious to know what important matter you have to discuss with me."

Reassured, Lin Haoran took out the stock certificates for Green Island Cement. He held proof of ownership for 12% of the company's shares.

"Uncle Ho, I want to pledge these six million shares of Green Island Cement as collateral for a loan of thirty million Hong Kong dollars from Hang Seng Bank," Lin Haoran stated solemnly.

"How did you manage to accumulate such a massive amount of Green Island Cement stock?" Ho Sin-hang looked at the certificates in his hands, his voice filled with disbelief and deep shock. He knew well that the market value of six million shares of Green Island Cement was more than enough to serve as a solid foundation for a thirty-million-dollar loan.

What baffled him was that Hang Seng Bank had a close partnership with the Wan'an Group and was well aware of its financial status. Given that, how had Lin Haoran quietly amassed such a huge amount of stock? Thirty million Hong Kong dollars was a heavy sum; even a financial giant like himself had to admit it was an astonishing amount. He knew that even among Hong Kong’s most prominent wealthy businessmen, it would be no easy feat to produce such a sum on a whim.

Lin Haoran’s move sent ripples through Ho Sin-hang’s mind, leaving him desperate to uncover the secret behind it. Naturally, Lin Haoran had no intention of explaining the details.

"Uncle Ho, the source of these shares is a small personal secret. I’m afraid I cannot share it with you just yet, but I believe there will be a time in the future when you will understand. As for this loan, do you foresee any major issues?" Lin Haoran asked with a confident smile.

Ho Sin-hang nodded slightly, signaling his understanding. "Of course, there is no problem, nephew. If you are willing to pledge this 12% stake as collateral, I can approve the thirty-million-dollar loan limit immediately. However, I would like to know, for how long do you plan to take out this loan?"

At this moment, a warmer smile beamed on Ho Sin-hang’s face, and his form of address for Lin Haoran shifted subtly from "Little Lin" to "Nephew Lin"—a slight change that revealed his growing recognition and esteem.

"I intend to take the loan for two years, Uncle Ho. I hope to pay it off in one lump sum at the end of that period. Do you find this arrangement feasible? Also, regarding the interest rate, I wonder what kind of discount you might be able to offer?" Lin Haoran asked sincerely.

Ho Sin-hang pondered for a moment, his eyes reflecting deep calculation. In the financial industry, large corporations often enjoyed preferential interest rates. After weighing his relationship with Lin Haoran and the unique nature of this loan, he offered a very attractive condition.

"Nephew, since we are well-acquainted, I naturally won't let you lose out. For this thirty-million-dollar loan over a two-year term, I propose an annual interest rate of 5%. That would be a total of 10% interest over two years, meaning you would repay thirty-three million Hong Kong dollars at maturity. In this industry, those are quite favorable terms. What do you think, nephew?" Ho Sin-hang’s words were full of sincerity; he believed these terms were sufficient to show his trust and support.

It was the same rate as the one from the finance company, which was acceptable. After all, Hang Seng was a formal bank, and this rate was quite respectable.

"No problem, let's sign the contract based on those terms. I hope the funds can be made available as soon as possible—ideally, transferred to my account today," Lin Haoran agreed readily, feeling very satisfied with a loan that offered the same rate as the finance company but with a longer term. He was confident that paying back the thirty-three million Hong Kong dollars within two years would be easy.

He requested a two-year term because he did not want the pressure of a looming deadline once his other loan matured.

"Nephew, since you are so decisive, I won't delay any further. I will grant special approval for this loan to ensure the funds arrive within the day. I will have someone start preparing the contract immediately." Ho Sin-hang’s smile was filled with satisfaction and admiration.

"Uncle Ho, it's a pleasure doing business with you!"

"A pleasure indeed!"