Chapter 1384 - 1378: Red Tea Society
Tang Yumeng shook her head without thinking and said, "Of course not. The Sichuan University Group is now equivalent to an amalgamation of four major groups. How could such a giant only be involved in three industries? Moreover, it's one of the most rapidly developing giants. Sooner or later, we will be involved in other fields as well."
Lin Chuan smiled slightly and said, "Exactly. Not to mention that we also have considerable strength devoted to developing finance. As long as it touches finance, in the end, we can't avoid involvement in real estate. However, my mentor and I both feel that the current domestic housing market is not normal, so we previously tried to avoid getting entangled in it."
Tang Yumeng understood Lin Chuan's meaning: "Are you saying that since we will eventually be involved in this area, we should first eliminate the potential systemic risks it holds?"
Lin Chuan laughed and said, "That's right. The current house prices are based on a very fragile foundation. The reason I'm worried about entering now is that it's akin to stepping in at a high price point. If a collapse occurs, we'd end up making wedding dresses for others in vain."
Tang Yumeng said, "Your plan is really deep. How come I didn't see that you had such a mind before?"
Lin Chuan laughed and said, "It's easy to talk about but hard to do. The domestic real estate market has involved too many vested interests. If we really take action now, we're bound to run into serious trouble. I don't want you guys to worry. We have plenty of other matters on our plate, so there's no need to get a headache over this, right?"
Tang Yumeng said, "Hmm, that's true. Let's go. Haven't you always wanted to learn more about the U.S. financial market? We can check it out tomorrow."
However, Tang Yumeng spoke too soon. They didn't have to wait until tomorrow to check it out; when they returned to the hotel, someone was already waiting for them.
"Hi! Lin, you kept me waiting for quite a while!"
"Hold on!" Lin Chuan extended his hand to stop the tall, blonde, and sexy beauty in front of him.
He didn't know many foreign women, and the only Western woman he knew was Helen from the UK's Military Intelligence Six, whom he hadn't seen for a long time. Being warmly "complained" about coming back late by a stranger, foreign beauty gave him an awkward feeling.
Luckily, Tang Yumeng knew the situation; otherwise, she'd definitely think he was having an affair with this beauty.
"Miss, may I know who you are? This seems to be our first meeting, and certainly not so familiar that you need to act coy from the first sentence. Can you just get to the point?" Lin Chuan said.
The Western beauty realized her usual tricks weren't working. Upon noticing the breathtaking Eastern beauty behind Lin Chuan, she suddenly felt less confident about her own beauty. She nodded politely and said, "Hello, Mr. Lin. I'm Lucy, the liaison secretary for the Red Tea Society. Some of our board members heard you're in the United States and would like to meet with you. Do you have the time?"
Lin Chuan was taken aback. Did he not check the calendar before coming to the United States? So many people wanted to find him! He had at least heard of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, but what the heck was this Red Tea Society? He certainly had no interest in black tea.
"Hello, I've never interacted with your so-called Red Tea Society, and I don't have any expertise in black tea. You must have the wrong person," Lin Chuan said.
Lucy smiled slightly. One had to admit that this blonde beauty had a certain Western charm when she smiled. She looked at Lin Chuan, her face full of allure, and said, "Mr. Lin, you're a well-known figure now. How could I mistake you? And our Red Tea Society isn't about studying black tea. It's merely the name of a financial gathering. Our members here are all top international personalities."
"Oh?" Lin Chuan realized what she meant, exchanging a glance with Tang Yumeng.
They hadn't expected the U.S. financial market to reach out to them so readily. Though it was just one of countless financial organizations in the U.S., and a rather loose tea gathering at that, it indicated Lin Chuan's emergence on the international financial scene.
He didn't know, though the term "tea gathering" suggested casualness, in reality, it meant that such seemingly non-binding organizations were often comprised of like-minded individuals. Especially those with a long history, which could wield formidable influence!
But with such an opportunity, Lin Chuan wasn't about to pass it up. He gladly accepted a business card from Lucy, saying, "Oh, it would be an honor to communicate with American financiers. When can I expect to go?"
Lucy, her task completed, smiled more brightly and said, "I'm always at your service. In fact, I've already prepared a car, and if you're interested, you can come tonight."
Lin Chuan didn't want to waste his time in the U.S. and nodded, "That would be great. Let's broaden our horizons. Could you, Miss Lucy, introduce your organization to us along the way?"
As their car pulled up in front of a building that looked over thirty years old, Lin Chuan realized how much he had underestimated the Red Tea Society.
The board members here managed funds whose names Lin Chuan hadn't heard of, but in terms of absolute value, nearly any of them could eclipse their Sichuan University Group. This was without including top-tier firms like the Neutron Fund, otherwise, it would have been even more daunting for Lin Chuan.
Fortunately, they didn't aim to intimidate Lin Chuan. Since they had invited him, they intended to discuss some form of collaboration.
"Hello, Lin, I'm Francis, one of the directors of the Red Tea Society. It's a pleasure to meet you. This is Jon, another director of the Red Tea Society and my old partner."
Saying "old partner" is a bit misleading; they look just over thirty, which is relatively young in the financial world. Yet, judging from their demeanor, it's clear they are accustomed to positions of authority, exuding a naturally commanding presence in their interactions.
Of course, such an aura isn't enough to intimidate Lin Chuan. Despite their standing in international finance, they're no match for Yoda Xin, whom Lin Chuan can be credited for overthrowing, along with the Sea Domain Company!
"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Although Lucy had previously introduced everyone in the room to him, the foreign names were long and awkward, making them difficult to remember. Fortunately, the two conversants were aware of this and reintroduced themselves.
"Lin, I truly admire your composure. I remember the first time I attended this Red Tea Society meeting; I was so nervous, I could barely speak to the veterans here," Jon quipped, demonstrating his knack for closing psychological distance and drawing a smile from Lin Chuan, who felt a sudden warmth towards him.
"Is your tea party meant to eat people or something? Why were you so nervous?" Lin Chuan seized the opportunity to respond with light-hearted humor.
Francis replied solemnly, "On the contrary, the purpose of this tea party is precisely to ensure we are not the ones being devoured. Frankly, Mr. Lin, we've taken the liberty of inviting you here to see if you might join us as a member of the Red Tea Society."
Lin Chuan smiled wryly; this guy doesn't mince words. He didn't even know what the Red Tea Society was about, and now they wanted him to "join" already.
Noticing Lin Gaoming's hesitation, Jon explained with a smile, "We understand you might not be familiar with our name or truly grasp what the Red Tea Society is about, but that's okay. With Mr. Lin's capabilities, you're more than qualified to join us, and not knowing now doesn't mean you'll always be in the dark."
Lin Chuan felt comforted by their assurance of his capabilities, "In that case, perhaps we could get to know each other better first. I'm curious, what kind of investments do people in the Red Tea Society mostly engage in?"
Jon replied, "There's no specific restriction on that. From stocks to futures and various investments, we cover all bases. Our style leans conservative, avoiding overly high leverage, as those things can take on gambling characteristics."
Of course, not everyone perceives it that way, or they wouldn't get so deeply entangled.
These issues aren't Lin Chuan's concern. As long as the Red Tea Society maintains a conservative investment style, he wouldn't mind joining to see what it's all about. After all, they have said the organization isn't particularly stringent, and he can leave if he no longer wishes to participate.
On that note, Lin Chuan joined their membership.
Francis and Jon were delighted to see Lin Chuan make his decision so quickly.
Even though the Sichuan University Group's strength is still seen as relatively weak by them, there was already a consensus within the Red Tea Society that Lin Chuan is destined for greatness!
Following Francis, the two strolled about within the Red Tea Society, which was not yet in a serious meeting, allowing Lin Chuan to see sparse clusters engaged in conversation. Jon, sensing Lin Chuan's curiosity, smiled accommodatingly and led him over.
Up close, Lin Chuan was surprised to discover that one person appeared to be Chinese.
Others, spotting Lin Chuan with Francis and Jon approaching, greeted him with a smile, "Oh, Lin, join us in the Red Tea Society; it definitely won't be a decision you'll regret."
Seeing the "Chinese" man so enthusiastic, Lin Chuan smiled slightly and mentioned his recent membership application.
"Oh! Fantastic! I never thought I'd get to collaborate with the legendary Lin!" Jon gave Lin Chuan a heartfelt embrace.
The others glanced curiously at the "Chinese" man, and an older gentleman with darker skin chuckled, "Chen, isn't your company larger than the Sichuan University Group in scale? So why are you getting excited like a child?"
Hearing them call this person "Chen," Lin Chuan became more assured that this man was Chinese.
In East Asia, while people like Han Li or Chinese from Southeast Asian countries could have single surnames, the surname "Chen" isn't common, and the Chinese in Southeast Asia often physically differ from those in China. However, this man appeared unmistakably Chinese.
It's unclear which company he belongs to. Ostensibly, within the domestic financial sphere, besides a few state-owned enterprises, no financial company surpasses the Sichuan University Group's size, right?
A thought crossed Lin Chuan's mind; since this topic had been broached, he wouldn't miss the chance, seizing the moment to ask, "About the collapse of the Sea Domain Company. During that event, which led to significant turmoil in Japan's financial market and depreciated their currency, did you ever deliberate on this issue?"