OBS Chapter 1316 Old almanacs can't control how we live a good life!
Chapter 1316 Old almanacs can't control how we live a good life!
Chapter 1316 Old almanacs can't control how we live a good life!
On the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, the headquarters of Haoran International in Central, Hong Kong, was brightly lit. Qin Hao stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the morning light over Victoria Harbour.
"Mr. Lei, all the senior executives have arrived," the secretary whispered.
Qin Hao straightened his suit and tie, and when he pushed open the conference room door, more than twenty senior executives stood up in unison.
"Happy New Year, everyone. As you all know, our core goal this year is to successfully list Haoran International on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange." Qin Hao's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable tone.
He raised his hand to signal, and Li Renjun, who was beside him, immediately distributed a stack of well-bound documents.
The words "Initial Public Offering (IPO) Plan of Haoran International Co., Ltd." are prominently displayed on the cover of the document.
"President Li has already produced a complete listing plan before the Lunar New Year. The core structure, asset restructuring, financial review, compliance rectification, issuance scale, pricing range, roadshow arrangements... are all here. Please take a look first, and we will have a group discussion in half an hour."
The only sounds in the conference room were the rustling of papers turning over, occasionally accompanied by soft gasps.
This plan embodies the countless days and nights of Li Renjun and his team's extensive experience in the Wall Street and Hong Kong markets. It is both ingenious and bold, yet strives for stability and compliance, aiming to maximize the value of Haoran International while controlling listing risks.
The discussion immediately became lively.
The various pointed questions and detailed answers clashed back and forth in the meeting room for more than an hour.
The executives' questions covered a wide range of areas, including finance, legal affairs, business relationships, market prospects, and risk disclosure.
With his extensive professional knowledge and clear logic, Li Renjun dispelled all doubts.
Ultimately, all the executives present either nodded or exchanged glances before clearly stating their position, with no further objections.
Qin Hao stood up at the opportune moment, his eyes scanning the entire room intently, instantly drawing all eyes to him.
"Alright!" Qin Hao's voice was resolute: "Since everyone has objections, then I hereby announce—the IPO process of Haoran International Co., Ltd. is officially launched!"
As soon as he finished speaking, applause, though restrained, resounded throughout the conference room.
Qin Hao slightly raised his hand to suppress the applause, his voice even more penetrating: "The next six months will be the six months that determine the fate of all of us! During these six months, the entire Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the entire capital market will be watching us. Our performance, every bit of revenue and profit growth we achieve through our efforts, will be directly and instantly reflected in the upcoming stock price!"
He paused deliberately, letting everyone weigh the weight of his words in their hearts.
"And you," Qin Hao's sharp gaze swept over each executive, "all of you are heroes of the company's development. The company has prepared a generous stock option incentive pool for this successful IPO, and the conditions for granting the options will be directly linked to the company's overall value and the performance of your respective areas of responsibility!"
That last sentence was like throwing a spark into a calm pan of oil.
The executives' eyes instantly changed, and a flame of "ownership" and "huge opportunity" was ignited.
When faced with matters of vital interest that relate to the exponential growth of personal wealth, the limits of human potential are beyond what even they themselves could have imagined.
The air in the conference room seemed to be on fire, filled with a mix of ambition and drive.
"I don't need to say more about what to do, do I?" Qin Hao's voice trailed off with an undeniable force: "I've set up the stage for you all, now it's up to you how you perform!"
In the days following the meeting, the entire Haoran International was like a precision supercar injected with unlimited power, roaring forward at full speed.
Qin Hao didn't need to issue any specific sales targets; a self-driven force originating from the top management and deeply ingrained in their bones propelled every link to operate with incredible efficiency.
The North American and European markets, building on the foundational sales networks successfully established in the second half of last year, are now like major arteries continuously pumping blood.
The company's strong integration capabilities have been fully unleashed: many products that are already successful in the Southeast Asian market can be quickly integrated into the newly developed European and American terminal networks simply by adjusting the packaging and updating certifications according to the regulations and consumer preferences of the target market.
The greatly expanded product line has brought immediate results: no longer limited to a single flagship product to compete in the market, the wide range of products, from electric fans, small home appliances, and basic hardware to clothing and textiles, Christmas decorations, stationery and toys, accurately targets consumers of different classes and with different needs.
Sales growth is no longer linear, but rather exponential.
The results were astonishing. By the end of June alone, preliminary statistics showed that Haoran International's global sales had surpassed an astonishing $8 million!
This has already surpassed the sales volume of the entire previous year! This dazzling performance is certainly based on the solid foundation laid in previous years, but it is also a direct reflection of the explosive growth brought about by the potential unleashed by the company's IPO goals.
The scorching heat of July also ushered in the ultimate test for the capital market. After four intensive roadshows in Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and New York, Qin Hao successfully won over discerning international investors with his calm and clear expression, his highly attractive vision of "integrating the global supply chain and building an efficient sales platform," and the convincing backing of his $8 million half-year performance.
Finally, the moment of ringing the bell arrived. Inside the Hong Kong Stock Exchange trading hall, the atmosphere was solemn yet enthusiastic. Accompanied by a clear chime, Haoran International officially began trading on July 18, 1982.
The opening price was HK$18. In less than two hours, the share price had surged to HK$25! The exchange screen was illuminated by the constantly refreshed bright red numbers, creating a festive atmosphere.
By the time the market closed at 4 PM, Haoran International's share price had finally settled steadily at HK$30! That's a 66.67% surge compared to the issue price!
This news was like a bombshell, shaking the entire Hong Kong.
A market capitalization of 38 billion might seem ordinary ten years later, but in the context of widespread despair following the Hang Seng Index crash in 1982, it was like a dazzling lightning bolt piercing through the gloomy atmosphere.
It's worth noting that the market capitalization of the long-established British trading company Wheelock and Company at that time was only HK$41 billion!
How can it not be astonishing that a foreign trade company established only a few years ago can stand shoulder to shoulder with such a behemoth?
The successful listing of Haoran International instantly propelled Qin Hao to the pinnacle of Hong Kong's top tycoons.
Major entertainment and financial newspapers have published numerous articles on the rise of this "new Hong Kong tycoon," detailing how he started from scratch and built a "foreign trade empire" within three years.
Hong Kong society has a long tradition of labeling successful businessmen, with titles like "Shipping Magnate," "Gambling King," and "Real Estate Tycoon" appearing frequently. Faced with Qin Hao and his Haoran International, shrewd media figures and casual observers quickly found the most fitting label to encapsulate his core business model—"Foreign Trade King!"
This title, fueled by the front-page feature article in Daily Finance titled "Lei Hao, the 'King of Foreign Trade': Building a 38 Billion Yuan Empire in Three Years!", quickly spread throughout the streets, alleys, tea restaurants, and office buildings of Hong Kong, becoming widely known.
Countless ambitious young people who had just arrived in the south from the inland areas, in cramped rented rooms or on noisy construction sites, would often mention Qin Hao in their newspapers, encouraging each other or comforting themselves, while gazing at photos of smug young millionaires.
"Look at Boss Lei, he became the 'King of Foreign Trade' in three years! Why can't I be successful? Fortune changes every thirty years, don't underestimate a young man's potential!"
For Qin Hao, the rapid expansion of his fame was undoubtedly a huge boost, with the benefits outweighing the drawbacks.
On the one hand, with the shining halo of "Foreign Trade King", many small and medium-sized enterprises in Hong Kong with import and export needs, and even some large companies that are hesitant and observing, will think of Haoran International's brand and professional strength as the first choice when selecting foreign trade service providers. "Foreign Trade King" itself is the best endorsement of quality and a letter of trust.
On the other hand, as its reputation has grown, the resources and preferential treatment that Haoran International can access in mainland China have also been upgraded. Although it is still far from being as well-established as CITIC and China Resources, it is already enough to enjoy the same level of special attention and preferential treatment as a "godson" in many local areas.
Fame, in many cases, is itself a form of capital that is difficult to measure.
As the sweltering heat of August enveloped the land of Jinling County, Qin Hao returned once again to this place that held so many memories and affections for him.
The main reason for Song Yunping's return this time was that she had graduated from university.
Both the Qin family courtyard and the Song family courtyard were bustling with activity, filled with joy. Song's mother circled around her daughter, pulling Song Yunhui to repeatedly check the traditional dowry items that had been prepared in advance, such as quilt covers, pillowcases, washbasins, and spittoons. Her face was beaming with a relaxed smile that she hadn't seen in many years, and she kept saying, "Pingping is so lucky," and "Haozi is such a reliable child."
Although Song Yunhui was a science student, he was overjoyed to see his sister getting married soon and followed his mother to make preparations. He rummaged through his belongings to find a few treasured books, saying he wanted to give them to his brother-in-law as "spiritual nourishment."
However, amidst the jubilation, Song's father's expression seemed somewhat out of place.
A man sat on the doorstep, smoking a pipe, watching his wife and children busy in the yard. His eyes were complicated, carrying a hint of melancholy and lingering worry.
"Dad." Song Yunhui finally couldn't help but lean closer, looking at his father's weathered face and furrowed brows: "What's wrong? My sister's marriage is a joyous occasion, why do you look...not very happy?"
Upon hearing this, Mr. Song's fingers, gripping his pipe, trembled almost imperceptibly. He forced a bitter smile: "Happy...how could I not be happy? Pingping has found a good home, I'm genuinely happy for her. It's just...sigh!"
Song Yunhui didn't understand, but his mother understood her husband's worries: "Xiaohui, you don't understand. For decades, your father and I have been hoping that something good would happen to our family, hoping that life would get better... but what has happened?"
“They always seem to douse us with cold water! Now that Pingping is doing so well, of course your dad and I should be happy, but in our hearts, we're genuinely joyful, but also... a little scared! Scared... scared that this joy might go too far and bring bad luck! I'm even... afraid to be truly happy! I'm really afraid that God won't approve..."
Song Yunhui was deeply shaken and felt a lump in his throat.
Just then, Qin Hao and Song Yunping walked in hand in hand, chatting and laughing, carrying a large piece of fresh, high-quality red and white beef, which they had specially bought from Xiao Lei's cattle farm for their wedding banquet.
Song Yunping's eyes suddenly reddened.
Qin Hao put down the beef, gently squeezed Song Yunping's hand to comfort her, and walked over to Song's parents.
“Dad, Mom. Those hard times, the grievances you suffered, are all in the past. Things are really different now! Times are changing, the country is getting better every day, and the burdens we carried should have been lifted long ago!”
"The days ahead will only get better!"
He paused, looking at Song's father's still worried face, and suggested, "Dad, didn't you say that you were afraid of being labeled a bad family member and implicating your relatives, and that many of them had lost contact with you? This time, since we're having a happy occasion, let's just have a grand wedding! Invite all those relatives who were afraid to visit before, afraid of implicating them! Let's have a lively and glorious wedding, and let's proudly tell all our old relatives and neighbors that our Song family is doing well! We've shaken off the label! We can stand tall now! Let this joy wash away the gloom that has accumulated in our family over the years!"
Upon hearing this, Song Yunhui's eyes immediately lit up! He slapped his thigh forcefully: "Brother-in-law is absolutely right! Dad! Mom! We had no choice but to hide it before. Now that my sister is getting married, it's a joyous occasion for our family, and it would be too stifling to be quiet and deserted! We must have a big celebration! Invite all the relatives to come and have a good time! Let others see that our family is different now!"
After being repeatedly persuaded by his son-in-law and son, and seeing his daughter's tearful yet hopeful eyes, Song's father, along with his wife who, though also shedding tears, showed an expression of approval.
His lips trembled, the ice in his heart slowly melting, but the fear that had haunted him for decades had not completely dissipated: "This...this won't do. Inviting so many people all at once, won't...won't it disrupt the auspicious date we carefully chose? What if..."
Qin Hao laughed loudly, his laughter carrying a hint of arrogance and unruliness: "Dad! What auspicious day? For us ordinary people, the most important thing in life is a thriving family and happiness! When the whole family is together in harmony, that's the best time, the most auspicious feng shui! As long as a person is happy and energetic, any time is an auspicious day! The old almanac can't tell us how to live a good life!"
These words, delivered with resounding force, were like a heavy hammer blow, shattering the last heavy shackles weighing on Song's father's heart.
He and Song's mother exchanged a glance. Looking at their son-in-law, who was full of vigor and whose words exuded strength and responsibility, looking at their grown-up son, who was equally determined, and looking at their graceful daughter, who was promising for the future... a sense of exhilaration that had been building up for decades and had not been truly released, and boundless hope for the future, surged out like a flood bursting its banks!
"Good...good! Let's do it! Let's do it in a grand and glorious way!" Mr. Song choked up, tears streaming down his face. Mrs. Song also held her husband's hand tightly, tears falling like rain, but her face blossomed with an unprecedented, radiant smile.
Two weeks later, the Shanbei Brigade of Jinling County was immersed in an unprecedented celebration.
Qin Hao and Song Yunping's wedding became a major event that was talked about with great interest throughout the entire brigade and even the surrounding towns.
A grand banquet was held in Jinling County! Firecrackers went off non-stop from morning till night. Smoke curled from chimneys, and chicken, duck, fish, and meat were served in a continuous stream. Anyone from Shanbei Brigade, regardless of distance or kinship, could come to eat at any time! No need to bring money; the point was to create a lively atmosphere, a grand scene, and a spirited celebration! This generosity and extravagance amazed and deeply moved the villagers.
For three days, the atmosphere at the banquet was lively and cheerful, with adults and children alike beaming with genuine smiles.