Chapter 449 The Governor's Call: I Won't Take the Blame!
Lin Haoran set down his coffee cup, his gaze still fixed on the bustling cityscape of Central through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
His expression was calm and composed, as if the storm outside had nothing to do with him.
"You're right; the government likely won't cancel the auction easily," Lin Haoran said slowly.
"But we mustn't let our guard down.
Even if there may be no real competitors at tomorrow's auction, we should still be fully prepared."
Ma Shimin nodded, smiling confidently.
"Boss, rest assured. Everything is ready.
Tomorrow, we'll secure those plots at the lowest price possible.
We won't give anyone else the slightest chance."
"I'll attend the auction myself," Lin Haoran said after a brief thought.
"Understood, Boss.
Please arrive here a bit earlier tomorrow afternoon, and we'll head over together," Ma Shimin replied promptly.
The two continued discussing some final details regarding the auction.
Just as they were speaking, the phone on the desk rang.
"Boss, I'll get it," Ma Shimin said.
Lin Haoran nodded, signaling him to answer.
"Hello, this is Ma Shimin. May I ask who's calling?" he said politely.
"Mr. Ma, this is Governor MacLehose. Is Mr. Lin Haoran with you?
If so, could you pass him the phone?" came the voice of Governor MacLehose himself, sounding formal but courteous.
The Governor's Office commanded the most powerful intelligence agency in Hong Kong; finding out Lin Haoran's whereabouts was no challenge at all.
"Boss, it's Governor MacLehose.
He wants to speak with you," Ma Shimin said, turning to Lin Haoran with a slightly surprised look, handing over the phone.
Lin Haoran was a little taken aback but immediately accepted the call with a polite smile.
"Governor, this is Lin Haoran.
It's a great honor to receive your call."
"Mr. Lin, are you available right now?
If convenient, could you come to the Governor's Office for a meeting?
We can send a car to pick you up, or you're welcome to drive yourself," MacLehose invited sincerely.
Lin Haoran thought briefly before replying cheerfully:
"Since you personally invited me, Governor, of course I'm available.
I'll be there in twenty minutes!"
"Very good, Mr. Lin. I'll be waiting," the Governor replied before ending the call.
After hanging up, Lin Haoran frowned slightly.
Why had Governor MacLehose suddenly asked to meet him?
"Boss, I think the Governor wants to discuss the recent real estate turmoil.
After all, instability in the property market could severely impact the government's finances," Ma Shimin guessed.
"Reasonable analysis," Lin Haoran agreed.
"I'll head over now.
Do you want to come along?"
Ma Shimin was tempted but quickly shook his head.
"No, the Governor only asked for you.
Besides, I need to visit Hong Kong Telephone Company this afternoon to oversee preparations for the mobile communications team and future planning discussions with David."
"Alright. Focus on your tasks then," Lin Haoran said, waving goodbye as he left the office.
Within fifteen minutes, Lin Haoran's motorcade arrived steadily in front of the Governor's Office.
After a brief security check—more of a formality since the guards had been informed in advance—Lin Haoran walked in unaccompanied, moving with familiarity through the corridors.
He soon reached the Governor's personal office.
Knocking politely, the door opened to reveal MacLehose himself.
"Mr. Lin, welcome," the Governor said with a smile, extending his hand.
"Governor, it's been a while," Lin Haoran responded, shaking his hand.
In truth, Lin Haoran didn't enjoy dealing with government officials.
But given how much of his business was rooted in Hong Kong, he had no choice.
Since avoidance was impossible, he faced it calmly.
After exchanging greetings, MacLehose invited him into the spacious, dignified office.
"Please, have a seat," MacLehose said, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk.
Lin Haoran nodded, sat down, and waited quietly for him to speak.
"Mr. Lin, I asked you here mainly to discuss the current situation in the real estate market," MacLehose began.
Lin Haoran nodded, signaling he was listening intently.
"As you know, there's been considerable turmoil lately.
Many people are guessing about the government's stance.
As Governor, I must pay close attention to market stability and prosperity.
We cannot allow major fluctuations."
Lin Haoran smiled politely, still silent.
"Mr. Lin, you hold immense influence in Hong Kong's real estate sector.
This issue, to some extent, stems from your actions.
I want to hear your thoughts—how do you think we should handle the current situation?" MacLehose finally asked, handing the conversation over to Lin Haoran.
"Governor," Lin Haoran replied calmly,
"You should be aware of my situation before I left for America.
To acquire Jardines Matheson, I paid a heavy price and incurred significant debt.
Selling some property projects was purely a normal business move."
"My acquisition of Jardines Matheson alone proves my confidence in Hong Kong's property sector.
If I doubted it, why would I invest billions?"
"As for this turmoil," Lin Haoran said, his tone sharpening,
"if anyone is to blame, it's not me.
The root cause lies in the irresponsible reporting of certain newspapers—Sing Tao Daily, Wah Kiu Yat Po, Hong Kong Industrial and Commercial Daily.
They manufactured rumors, stirred public emotion, and triggered this panic."
"You, Governor, surely know this better than anyone.
In this entire situation, I am completely innocent!"
Lin Haoran shook his head firmly.
He would not shoulder this blame.
MacLehose frowned slightly, clearly not entirely convinced.
It was obvious to him that Lin Haoran's massive sell-offs had sparked the instability.
Still, he chose not to argue and continued the conversation in a gentler tone.
"Mr. Lin, I fully understand your position.
Indeed, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public sentiment.
But market fluctuations stem from multiple factors—economic environment, policy signals, investor psychology, and more."
"Blaming a single factor may not help us find a real solution," MacLehose said gently but firmly.
Lin Haoran nodded thoughtfully, showing he accepted the broader perspective.
"You're right, Governor.
I don't deny other factors play a role.
However, in this particular case, irresponsible media coverage clearly exacerbated public fear."
"I believe the government must strengthen media oversight to ensure accurate, fair information is disseminated," Lin Haoran suggested.
MacLehose gave a wry smile and nodded, seemingly appreciative of Lin Haoran's pragmatic attitude.
"Mr. Lin, your advice is valuable.
We are indeed considering how to better guide public opinion and maintain market order."
"But please also understand:
The government must balance many interests—protecting consumer rights, upholding media freedom, and maintaining diverse opinions," he said.
In Hong Kong, freedom of speech had always been a key feature—both a source of strength and chaos.
As always, some unscrupulous media outlets prioritized sensationalism over truth, severely undermining public trust.
"Although freedom of speech is vital," Lin Haoran said with a slight smile,
"If you, Governor, were to intervene directly, perhaps those media outlets would reconsider their reporting strategies?"
"You're right," MacLehose agreed.
"In fact, I contacted several of those media outlets this morning.
They have promised to stop stirring this topic starting tomorrow."
"But even if they stop," MacLehose added,
"the damage is done.
Public confidence has been shaken.
Thus, Mr. Lin, we still need you to help restore faith in the real estate sector."
"And what exactly do you want me to do?" Lin Haoran asked calmly.
"As you know, I have no desire to see a real estate crash either.
After all, as one of the largest property owners in Hong Kong—through Jardines Matheson, Hongkong Electric, Man Cheung Group—a collapse would hurt me just as much as anyone else."
"So please, Governor, rest assured:
I will do my part to support stability."
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