Chapter 359 Mr. Buffett, We've Been Partners for a Long Time
After spending three days relaxing at his Deep Water Bay villa, on the afternoon of November 10th, Lin Haoran received a call from Guo Henian.
"Haoran, Mr. Buffett arrived in Hong Kong this morning. We've arranged to meet him at 6 PM in a private room at the Joy Lai Restaurant. You should come along to meet this famous investment guru. Considering your current situation, you must be thinking about investing in the United States. Buffett has an excellent reputation and vast connections in the American business world. Knowing him can only be a great advantage for you," Guo Henian said directly over the phone.
"Of course, Uncle Guo. I'll be there on time," Lin Haoran replied readily.
"Good. See you tonight!"
"See you tonight!"
After hanging up, Lin Haoran glanced at the clock—it was 2 PM.
Still plenty of time.
Lin Haoran had heard about Buffett since his previous life. The name had been familiar to him growing up.
Now, he finally had the opportunity to meet the legendary figure in person, and he was filled with anticipation.
Of course, based on Lin Haoran's current wealth, he was perhaps not inferior to Buffett at this point in time—maybe even wealthier.
However, in terms of fame, there was still a huge gap.
Lin Haoran's reputation was relatively limited to Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Britain,
whereas Buffett was already world-renowned, especially after deftly avoiding the 1969 stock market crash, cementing his name at the pinnacle of global finance.
Over the past two decades, Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway had made successful investments in The Washington Post, Coca-Cola, General Dynamics, and other prestigious companies, earning massive returns.
His consistent long-term success and almost flawless record had made him an idol and role model for investors around the world.
Lin Haoran also knew that Buffett's influence would only continue to grow in the future, especially around 1999, when he famously predicted the tech bubble burst at the Sun Valley Conference,
saving his investors from catastrophic losses.
His insight and judgment earned him universal respect.
Lin Haoran couldn't help but admire Buffett.
Unlike Lin himself, who benefited from his knowledge of future events as a time traveler,
Buffett had achieved his status purely through his own extraordinary foresight and analytical ability.
That was even more impressive.
Time flew, and soon it was 5 PM.
From Deep Water Bay to Tsim Sha Tsui would take a while, especially with the coming rush hour.
Thus, Lin Haoran, accompanied by his bodyguards, departed early.
Three cars drove out in a convoy, heading toward the Joy Lai Restaurant.
Forty minutes later, the convoy pulled up in front of the prestigious restaurant.
Joy Lai was one of Hong Kong's top establishments, a place Lin Haoran had dined at many times with his father, Lin Wanan.
Its excellent cuisine, impeccable service, and elegant environment made it a favorite among Hong Kong's elite.
Now, it was also technically Lin Haoran's property—
having become part of the assets under Jardines Matheson after his acquisition.
Entering the restaurant, Lin Haoran was immediately noticed by the lobby manager.
At just before 6 PM, two-thirds of the dining area was already full,
a testament to the restaurant's popularity.
The manager respectfully greeted Lin Haoran.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Lin. Is there anything I can assist you with?"
"I'm meeting Mr. Guo Henian. He should have reserved a private room," Lin Haoran said with a smile.
"Yes, Mr. Guo has already arrived upstairs. Please allow me to escort you."
Guided by the manager, Lin Haoran was soon led into a quiet and tastefully decorated private room.
Inside, Guo Henian and Guo Xiaohan were already waiting.
"Haoran, you're here!" Guo Henian smiled warmly.
Given the ambiguous relationship between Lin Haoran and Guo Xiaohan, Guo Henian now treated Lin as part of the family.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have invited him to such an important meeting.
"Uncle Guo, Xiaohan, good afternoon!" Lin Haoran responded with a smile.
"Haoran-ge, sit here," Guo Xiaohan said softly, pointing to the seat beside her.
With Uncle Guo present, she was noticeably more reserved.
Lin Haoran, familiar with her nature, didn't mind.
He casually pulled out the chair and sat down beside her.
Tonight, Guo Xiaohan had clearly put effort into her appearance,
looking even more radiant than usual, her beauty enchanting.
A delicate fragrance lingered in the air, lifting Lin Haoran's spirits.
"Uncle Guo, I'm not late, am I?" Lin Haoran asked with a grin.
"No, we just got here too. Buffett should be arriving shortly—he's staying nearby and said he'd be here right at six," Guo Henian said, checking his watch.
Lin Haoran nodded, then chatted casually with Guo Henian.
He learned that the Guo family's Kerry Group had once gone through external financing,
and that Buffett had invested in Kerry as early as 1972, becoming its third-largest shareholder.
It had been a successful investment,
but for Buffett, Kerry Group was just one of many success stories.
Soon, a knock sounded at the door.
An older white man in his fifties entered.
It was Warren Buffett.
Guo Henian and Lin Haoran immediately rose to greet him.
"Mr. Buffett, welcome to Hong Kong!" Guo Henian said warmly, shaking hands.
"Mr. Guo, it's been a long time.
Was it three years ago in Singapore when we last met?" Buffett replied with a smile, their familiarity evident.
"Let me introduce you: this is Lin Haoran, the current richest man in Hong Kong and the head of Jardines Matheson,"
Guo Henian said proudly, pulling Lin Haoran forward.
Mentioning Lin's titles deliberately,
Guo Henian wanted Buffett to take Lin Haoran seriously.
After all, Jardines Matheson was a prestigious name internationally.
Hearing this, Buffett's eyes lit up.
"So you are Mr. Lin!
I've read about you in many newspapers.
Meeting you in person is even more impressive.
Young and accomplished—very pleased to meet you!"
Buffett had noticed Lin Haoran upon entering,
but had assumed he was just another young protégé.
Now realizing Lin's true identity,
he looked at him with genuine admiration.
As an investor, Buffett was extremely diligent about researching global companies.
Hong Kong's market was no exception.
Lin Haoran's name had frequently come up in his studies.
"Mr. Buffett, you are too kind.
I've heard about you since I was a child.
It's a great honor to meet you today," Lin Haoran replied warmly, shaking his hand.
"Let's sit and chat properly," Guo Henian suggested, ending the pleasantries.
Everyone returned to the table.
"Mr. Lin," Buffett said, "I've been studying Hong Kong companies recently.
Some of your enterprises look very promising.
Perhaps in the future, we might have the opportunity to work together."
"Mr. Buffett, actually, we're already partners," Lin Haoran said with a mysterious smile.
"Oh? We're already partners?
Mr. Lin, what do you mean?"
Buffett asked, intrigued, leaning forward with curiosity.
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