Chapter 334 The Heavy Stone in His Heart Finally Settled
Inside the Governor's House, MacLehose listened to his subordinates' work reports, his brows furrowed.
As a high-ranking official, MacLehose had indeed made remarkable contributions to Hong Kong, and was thus hailed by many citizens as one of the most outstanding and beloved governors in the city's history.
During his tenure, he vigorously implemented a series of reforms that profoundly transformed Hong Kong's society.
These reforms covered housing, integrity building, education, healthcare, welfare, infrastructure, transportation, the economy, and various other areas.
Under his leadership, the Ten-Year Housing Program, the development of new towns, the establishment of the ICAC, the implementation of nine years of free education, the construction of the MTR, and local administrative reforms were all launched.
These policies not only directly improved citizens' quality of life but also helped the colonial government establish a positive image and greatly enhanced Hongkongers' sense of belonging to the land.
These were all accomplishments he had always been proud of.
However, recent public opinions had reached his ears, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
His years of hard work seemed about to be negated by a single instance of perceived favoritism, causing many citizens to change their views about him.
He had already thoroughly questioned SFC Chairman Max about the dispute between Jardines Matheson and Lin Haoran.
From what he understood, Jardines Matheson's actions were indeed less than honorable.
Although the current securities laws were incomplete and lacked clear regulations, by common standards, Lin Haoran, holding nearly 20% of Jardines Matheson's shares, should have the right to interfere in the company's affairs.
However, Max's response clearly deviated from this logic and showed favoritism toward the British consortium.
Yet, considering that Jardines Matheson represented the image of the British consortium in Hong Kong, and that these British firms had collectively moved to exclude Lin Haoran, as the Governor, he could not publicly oppose them.
Moreover, his public support for Max's statement indeed appeared unfair to Lin Haoran.
Currently, Lin Haoran had become one of the leading figures of the Chinese business community, and his influence was rapidly growing.
Openly favoring the British consortiums now would be very inappropriate.
Caught in such a dilemma, even someone like Governor MacLehose found the situation extremely difficult.
He had already made several trips north on behalf of Britain to discuss Hong Kong's future, and the current turbulent times made him unwilling to see internal strife between British and Chinese business groups.
"It seems I need to have a proper talk with Lin Haoran. This matter cannot be delayed any longer. Only if Lin Haoran steps forward can this storm be calmed," MacLehose muttered to himself.
Thinking thus, he immediately picked up the phone, intending to call Lin Haoran.
MacLehose had several ways to contact Lin Haoran, but since it was already past 9 a.m., he wasn't sure whether Lin Haoran was at home or busy with company affairs.
Thus, he decided to use the most direct method—contacting him through a pager.
At that moment, Lin Haoran had just finished his call with Bao Yugang and was preparing to head to Wanqing Building.
Wanqing Group President Burton had called him to inform him that a number of reporters were gathered at Wanqing Building, hoping to get more valuable statements from him.
Just as he reached the first floor of the villa, the pager on his waist suddenly buzzed urgently.
Lin Haoran took it out and saw that it displayed the Governor's House office number.
With his exceptional memory—perhaps a gift from his reincarnation—he instantly recognized it.
MacLehose was looking for him?
Lin Haoran wasn't surprised.
He had anticipated from the start that once he stirred up enough public attention, MacLehose would inevitably seek him out.
Everything was proceeding exactly as he had predicted.
Entering the study on the first floor, Lin Haoran immediately dialed MacLehose's office number.
"Governor, this is Lin Haoran," he introduced himself as soon as the call connected.
"Mr. Lin, are you available now? If so, could you come to the Governor's House? We can discuss matters face-to-face," MacLehose said politely over the phone.
"Governor, I'm at your service anytime. Please give me twenty minutes, and I'll be there," Lin Haoran replied with a smile.
After hanging up, Lin Haoran immediately instructed Li Weidong to drive to the Governor's House.
He hoped that this trip would finally secure a promise from Governor MacLehose not to interfere in his competition with the Jardines Matheson consortium.
In just over ten minutes, the Rolls-Royce steadily stopped at the parking lot outside the Governor's House.
Upon entering, Lin Haoran, already expected by the staff, was led through several hallways to the Governor's office.
Knock, knock, knock.
After a few knocks, a voice from inside called, "Come in."
The staff member opened the door for Lin Haoran and then respectfully withdrew.
MacLehose had already risen from his desk and personally welcomed him.
"Good morning, Governor!" Lin Haoran smiled and shook hands with him.
"Mr. Lin, please have a seat on the sofa," MacLehose said, pointing to the seating area.
"Would you like something to drink? I can have my secretary bring it over," he added after Lin Haoran sat down.
"No need, I just had breakfast and I'm quite full," Lin Haoran politely declined.
After all, the Governor's House usually served coffee, and he wasn't particularly interested.
"Mr. Lin, regarding the matter with Jardines Matheson, I'm afraid it's inconvenient for me to intervene too much. As Mr. Max said, this is purely a business matter.
If you expect me to take a stance, it does put me in a difficult position. I hope you understand and don't complicate the issue further," MacLehose said, getting straight to the point.
"Governor, I'm truly sorry to have troubled you. I should not have stirred up so much public attention," Lin Haoran quickly apologized.
"No, it is I who should apologize for not being able to offer you any useful help.
I fully understand the situation between you and Jardines Matheson. However, I can attempt to arrange a meeting with Mr. Henry Keswick.
Although I cannot guarantee reinstating your position as Vice Chairman, I am confident I can secure you a seat as a regular board member," MacLehose added.
This was a carefully considered decision.
He intended to use the offer of a board seat to pacify Lin Haoran and ease tensions between the British and Chinese business groups.
Although the Governor's House wielded considerable authority, as Governor, he had to balance many factors and couldn't use government power to forcibly resolve every issue.
Especially when dealing with influential figures like Lin Haoran, caution was essential.
Hearing MacLehose's words, Lin Haoran was somewhat surprised.
He hadn't expected MacLehose to make such a concession.
But would a mere board seat satisfy him?
Of course not!
He wanted the position of Chairman of Jardines Matheson, not just a seat with voting rights.
After careful thought, Lin Haoran slowly said, "Governor, I appreciate your kindness.
But after consideration, I've decided not to trouble you further.
However, I have one request:
Since both the Governor's House and the SFC have stated it's inappropriate to interfere in normal business activities, I hope that moving forward, in any normal competition between myself and the Jardines Matheson consortium, the Governor's House and the SFC will remain neutral and not intervene.
If you can promise me that, I will publicly declare that this matter is purely a market behavior and has nothing to do with the Governor's House."
This was Lin Haoran's true goal!
Even though he was now fully confident in taking over Jardines Matheson and Jardines Matheson, the Governor's House still loomed over him like a sword.
Securing a commitment of non-interference would completely clear the path for him to move forward with his plans without fear.
Lin Haoran's request genuinely surprised MacLehose.
He hadn't expected Lin Haoran to reject even the offer of a board seat.
What exactly was this young man planning?
Did he truly believe he could single-handedly compete against the entire British consortium?
After considering the matter thoroughly, MacLehose decisively said,
"Very well, Mr. Lin, I promise you:
As long as your competition with Jardines Matheson remains within the bounds of the law and the rules, I, representing the Governor's House, will not interfere in any way."
"Governor, your words are the greatest support to me. Thank you very much!" Lin Haoran said with a smile.
With MacLehose's commitment, the heavy stone that had weighed on Lin Haoran's heart finally settled.
Based on his understanding of MacLehose, he knew the Governor was a man of his word and would not easily go back on his promise.
Even if MacLehose wanted to renege, with Lin Haoran's current shareholding ratio, control over the two companies was already inevitable.
And once the Governor had made such a public promise, he could not easily reverse course.
Even if the British consortium tried to buy back Lin Haoran's shares, it would be nearly impossible for them to raise the necessary massive funds.
As for Jardines Matheson, Lin Haoran would never give it up.
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