Chapter 377 Dark Guards Join the Ranks
"Boss, based on my past experience assisting Chairman Chen with negotiations, I believe they will eventually agree. I can sense that they are determined to reclaim Jardines Matheson," Ho Kin Ning said with a smile as they stood in the elevator.
"Whether they agree or not doesn't really matter to me. If they do, I'll consider giving up Jardines Matheson and focus on privatizing the Land Group. If they don't, I'll continue managing Jardines Matheson. Either way, it's no loss for me," Lin Haoran replied with a grin.
"Exactly. At this point, they should be the ones anxious, not you, boss," Ho Kin Ning nodded in agreement.
"Since today's negotiation can't proceed for now, I'll take you to see the Land Group's headquarters at the Concord Building. If you ever want to transfer there, I can arrange it at any time. As for Hongkong Electric, I've already spoken with Chairman Chen. He's arranged for you to be on paid leave temporarily, so you don't need to worry about your work there," Lin Haoran continued.
Today, Ho Kin Ning's performance at the negotiating table had exceeded Lin Haoran's expectations.
At just 29 years old, Ho Kin Ning had displayed extraordinary poise and insight—far beyond what Lin Haoran had anticipated.
Lin Haoran could remain calm because he had confidence built over years of success, but Ho Kin Ning was still just a rising professional.
Yet even faced with so many industry heavyweights, he maintained his composure.
Given a few more years of training, Lin Haoran was certain that Ho Kin Ning would become an indispensable right-hand man.
Such a talent was worth nurturing carefully.
"Boss, I'm truly honored by your trust!" Ho Kin Ning said gratefully.
The degree of importance Lin Haoran placed on him gave Ho Kin Ning a profound sense of belonging, as if he had found a boss truly worth giving his all for.
The two of them, along with a team of bodyguards, left Jardine House and headed straight for the Concord Building.
A few minutes later, their convoy entered the underground parking lot of the Concord Building.
Taking the elevator up, they soon arrived at Ma Shiming's office.
At the time, Ma Shiming was on the phone. Seeing Lin Haoran enter with Ho Kin Ning, he signaled that he would be done shortly.
After a few minutes, Ma Shiming hung up.
"Boss, I heard you negotiated with the Jardines Matheson British consortium today. How did it go?" Ma Shiming asked curiously.
"These kinds of things can't be settled so easily. We're still at a stalemate. Let's see how they discuss it internally," Lin Haoran answered with a smile.
"Of course. After all, it concerns the controlling stake in Jardines Matheson—a matter that can't be resolved overnight," Ma Shiming nodded approvingly.
"By the way, this is Mr. Ho Kin Ning, my temporary negotiation assistant and currently Deputy Director of the Finance Department at Hongkong Electric. A young man with great management potential.
You two should get acquainted. Who knows, he might soon transfer to the Land Group to become one of its key senior executives," Lin Haoran said, introducing Ho Kin Ning.
Ma Shiming, while skeptical because of Ho Kin Ning's youth, still respectfully shook his hand—after all, he was someone personally endorsed by the boss.
"Mr. Ma, I've admired you for a long time. I hope to learn from you," Ho Kin Ning said enthusiastically.
"You two can exchange ideas later.
Mr. Ma, since you've held a senior role at Jardines Matheson, you're familiar with its operations.
Please brief Mr. Ho on any important details that might help him in upcoming negotiations.
I'll be next door making a call," Lin Haoran said, then left the office.
Previously, he had allocated Baofu Da's large office to Ma Shiming, believing it was better suited for the person managing the group.
Checking the time, it was only about 11 AM—still early.
Settling into the empty office, Lin Haoran picked up the phone and called Su Zhixue.
Earlier, he had instructed Su Zhixue to prepare to lead the team to New York.
Though only a few days had passed, he expected Su Zhixue to still be in Hong Kong.
The call quickly connected.
"Zhixue, how's the preparation for your move going?" Lin Haoran asked directly.
"Boss, among our 285 staff members, 223 have agreed to relocate to the U.S., while the rest will remain in Hong Kong.
The list is finalized. We're preparing to charter a flight to New York," Su Zhixue reported.
"Very good. But delay your U.S. relocation for now—I have one final important task for you here," Lin Haoran said, smiling.
"Boss, just say the word!" Su Zhixue answered respectfully, as always ready to obey orders.
"I want you to mobilize your team to start acquiring Land Group shares.
Buy as much as you can—there's no upper limit.
However, be careful: don't drive the share price up too high.
I want discreet, steady acquisitions," Lin Haoran instructed.
This was why he had called.
Since the British consortiums would likely not give up Jardines Matheson easily, Lin Haoran needed to continue his preparations for the Land Group's privatization.
Once he took back the shares from Jardines Matheson and the British consortiums, he could formally announce the privatization.
Although forced privatizations were allowed under certain thresholds, some shareholders might refuse to sell once they realized his intentions.
Thus, before the news leaked, he wanted to absorb as many shares as possible.
Huanyu Investment Company had ample funds to handle this task.
"Understood, boss. I'll arrange it immediately," Su Zhixue replied.
After hanging up, Lin Haoran sat deep in thought.
Whatever shares Huanyu Investment couldn't absorb would be left to others like Huotuo Li to deal with.
He was determined to privatize the Land Group!
Such a prime asset—and with such a rare opportunity—missing it would be unforgivable.
Just as he was pondering, his pager vibrated.
Checking the number, he saw it was unfamiliar.
Without delay, he called back from the office phone.
"Boss, it's Cui Zilong. I have great news! The Dark Guard team has completed its training and assessment.
They're ready to join your personal security detail.
If you're available, please come to Sai Kung," Cui Zilong said excitedly.
"Perfect timing. I'm free now—I'll head over," Lin Haoran answered immediately.
He had been eagerly awaiting the Dark Guard team's readiness.
Now, finally, they could provide discreet protection without the ostentatious presence of dozens of bodyguards.
He quickly informed Ma Shiming and Ho Kin Ning of his departure.
To his surprise, Ma Shiming and Ho Kin Ning seemed to be getting along very well.
Satisfied, Lin Haoran left the Concord Building with his bodyguards and headed for Sai Kung.
Today's schedule was a bit hectic, but he didn't mind.
Security was always the top priority.
Without safety, no amount of wealth could be enjoyed.
The addition of the Dark Guards would dramatically enhance his personal safety without drawing attention.
After a 30-minute drive, they arrived at the Huanyu Security Consulting Company's Hong Kong training base.
As soon as he stepped out of the car, Lin Haoran saw Cui Zilong waiting with 13 young men in plain clothes.
Their sharp eyes and agile postures showed they had been through rigorous training and selection.
"Boss, this is our Dark Guard team. They're ready to serve as your personal security unit," Cui Zilong introduced.
Lin Haoran inspected them carefully.
Their calm, determined gazes spoke volumes.
Clearly, these were elite operatives, honed through intensive preparation.
Satisfied, Lin Haoran nodded and said:
"Excellent. I appreciate your hard work and commitment.
From today, you are my personal bodyguards.
But remember, you are not ordinary security—you are Dark Guards, tasked with following and protecting me discreetly.
I'm sure your training has already prepared you for this.
Li Weimin, Zhang Zhiwei, Ping Yaojie... I entrust my safety to you."
Lin Haoran called each of their names accurately, touching the young operatives deeply.
A surge of loyalty and emotion rose among them.
"Understood, boss! We vow to protect you with our lives!" they answered in unison, their voices firm and resolute, their loyalty unmistakable.
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