SEC Chapter 1019 The Bronze Statue at Beijing University
Chapter 1019 The Bronze Statue at Beijing University
Over the next three days, Lin Haoran took Guo Xiaohan to visit various famous scenic spots in Beijing.
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Gate, the Summer Palace...
These places, which she had seen countless times in books and picture albums, were now presented before her eyes one by one. Guo Xiaohan was as excited as a child traveling far from home for the first time.
Wherever they went, she would drag Lin Haoran to take photos as souvenirs.
In the Forbidden City, they walked on the imperial road that was once reserved for the emperor.
The main gate of the Meridian Gate slowly opened, and Lin Haoran, carrying Lin Yaoguang and holding Guo Xiaohan's hand, passed through the central gate, the one that only the emperor could use.
The white marble steps underfoot have been polished smooth as a mirror by the years, and the red walls on both sides gleam with a warm luster in the sunlight.
"This door is not usually opened." The guide was an elderly gentleman in his fifties, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and speaking slowly and deliberately. "It is only opened for major celebrations or when welcoming important foreign guests."
Mr. Lin, you are one of the very few distinguished guests to have walked through this door.
Guo Xiaohan felt both excited and somewhat apprehensive upon hearing this.
She looked down at the steps beneath her feet, as if she could feel the traces of countless people stepping on them over the centuries.
At the Great Wall, the scenic area specially cleared out a section of the most scenic area for them to visit.
The section of the city wall that is usually busiest with tourists is now only occupied by their family and their accompanying bodyguards and staff.
At the Summer Palace, a pleasure boat on Kunming Lake was specially arranged for them.
The painted boat is in the style of an ancient building, with carved beams and painted rafters, red pillars and green tiles, and a red lantern hanging at the bow.
The boatman rowed, and the painted boat glided slowly across the water. The willows on both banks had just sprouted tender buds, which were reflected in the green lake water, like a flowing landscape painting.
Lin Haoran could deeply feel that the sincerity and respect shown to him by the mainland had far exceeded the scope of ordinary business partners.
This is not just a simple courtesy, but an attitude of treating him as one of our own.
On March 11, he received another invitation from Peking University.
The last time he came to Beijing, he was invited to Peking University.
During this period, he not only gave a speech to 10,000 people on the playground, but also directly donated HK$100 million to promote the establishment of the "Heng Sheng Economics Institute".
For this, Peking University conferred upon Lin Haoran the titles of Honorary Dean and Honorary Professor.
As it happened, he also wanted to see how the construction of the Hengsheng Economics Institute was progressing.
His efforts in promoting the establishment of Hengsheng Economics Institute went far beyond mere charity work.
In addition to fulfilling corporate social responsibility and supporting the cultivation of national economic talent, the main purpose is to reserve future talent for Hengsheng Group and its other subsidiaries.
His group will undoubtedly grow larger and larger in mainland China in the future, requiring a large number of local talents who are familiar with the mainland market, understand economics, management, and finance.
Instead of parachuting in talent from outside, it's better to cultivate them ourselves. We can start screening and training them from school, and once they graduate, they can directly join the group. This saves on the cost of integration and ensures the loyalty and professionalism of our employees.
Beijing University, as one of the top universities in mainland China, is undoubtedly the best choice for cooperation.
In addition, by thoroughly integrating this economics institute with its subsidiary, Hengsheng Group, the long-term influence of Hengsheng Group's major banks in mainland China can be enhanced.
Ultimately, the financial industry relies on talent and trust.
With the talent training base of the Hengsheng School of Economics at Beijing University, Hengsheng Bank will have a continuous supply of talent when it expands in mainland China in the future.
Moreover, these talents are immersed in Hengsheng's philosophy and culture from the moment they enroll, and after graduation, they join the Hengsheng system. Their loyalty and sense of belonging are far higher than those recruited from outside.
This is a long-term strategy, planned for ten, twenty, or even more years.
Lin Haoran has always preferred to do things that take longer and are more valuable.
This applies to building factories, ports, and schools.
Therefore, donating HK$1 million is a very worthwhile thing for him.
This HK$1 million investment will bring more than just a teaching building and a stone tablet; it will provide a continuous supply of talent for the next few decades, enhance the long-term influence of Hengsheng Group in the mainland financial market, and deeply establish the brand's reputation.
No matter how you look at it, this is a win-win situation.
On the afternoon of March 11th, the weather was sunny and the spring breeze was gentle.
Lin Haoran, accompanied by Guo Xiaohan and Lin Yaoguang, arrived at the campus of Beijing University, along with Director Yang from the reception office and several university leaders.
This is his second time visiting Beijing University.
The last time I came, the campus was lively, but it was nowhere near as vibrant as it is today.
In March, the campus is filled with blooming peach blossoms and drifting willow catkins. Students stroll along the tree-lined paths in twos and threes, some reading, some discussing problems, and some cycling around, exuding youthful energy everywhere.
Since he had already stated in advance that he was not planning to hold any public lectures this time, the school kept a low profile and did not announce it to the students.
Therefore, the trip was quite peaceful.
Students in mainland China today are indeed different from college students in the United States. Even if some students recognize him, when they see the officials and staff accompanying him, they just stop and watch from a distance, casting curious and polite glances, instead of swarming around and asking questions like American college students would.
They simply stood quietly by the roadside, watching the group walk by with a respectful yet restrained attitude.
This sense of restraint and moderation gave Lin Haoran an indescribable feeling of comfort.
It's not that he dislikes crowds, but rather that he prefers this kind of quiet and sincere attention.
Guo Xiaohan also sensed this atmosphere. She hugged Lin Yaoguang and whispered to Lin Haoran, "Brother Haoran, the students here are so polite."
“Yes, the students at Beijing University are indeed of a different quality.” Lin Haoran nodded. “It’s not that they didn’t want to come up and greet us, but they knew the occasion and how to behave appropriately. That’s a kind of good upbringing.”
The school leader smiled and said, "Mr. Lin, the students all know the contributions you have made to the school and admire you very much in private. However, the school had given us advance notice that you were here for a visit and inspection and did not want to be disturbed, so everyone consciously complied."
Lin Haoran smiled and said, "Please thank my classmates for their understanding and cooperation."
"I will definitely convey the message."
The group walked slowly along the tree-lined path on campus. Students passed by from time to time. Some would stop and nod slightly to Lin Haoran, while others would bow from a distance before continuing on their way.
Lin Haoran responded with a smile to each of them, his gaze gentle and sincere.
Led by school leaders, they toured the main campus of Peking University.
From ancient libraries to newly built laboratory buildings, from the lush shores of Weiming Lake to the solemn century-old lecture hall, their footprints can be found everywhere.
Guo Xiaohan hugged Lin Yaoguang and stood beside him, whispering, "Brother Haoran, this place is so beautiful."
“Yes.” Lin Haoran nodded. “Being able to study in such an environment is a very fortunate thing.”
Finally, they arrived at a construction site. The site was completely fenced off, and it was impossible to see what was inside from the outside, but a tall building of more than ten stories stood out prominently.
The building was clearly designed by top designers. Although the facade is still covered with scaffolding, the overall outline can already be seen. The smooth lines, large glass curtain walls, and staggered balconies exude the beauty of modern architecture.
"Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, this is the teaching building of Hengsheng Economics College. After nearly a year of construction, it is in the final stages and is expected to be officially put into use in September this year."
"So, does that mean Hengsheng Economics College is officially enrolling its first batch of students this year?" Lin Haoran asked curiously.
After donating the money, he stopped paying attention to the matter and didn't ask He Shanheng about it.
Therefore, he was unaware of the situation at Hengsheng School of Economics.
"No, no, Mr. Lin, actually we enrolled our first batch of students last year. We only enrolled two hundred people."
The school leaders quickly explained, "All the instructors are professionals from Hengsheng Bank and some Chinese elites from Wall Street. Currently, teaching mainly uses some classrooms and facilities from other departments. Although the conditions are a bit simple, the teachers and students are very enthusiastic."
Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran was slightly taken aback, then revealed an unexpected smile.
He had no idea that Hengsheng School of Economics had already started enrolling students last year, and that he, the donor and nominal honorary dean, was completely unaware of it.
However, this also shows that Beijing University was very efficient in promoting this matter and did not stagnate because of his neglect.
"What was the feedback from the first cohort of students?" Lin Haoran asked.
"Excellent!" The school leader's tone was filled with undisguised excitement. "The students' feedback on the course has been very positive, especially the visiting professors from Hengsheng Bank and Wall Street. Their practical experience and economic perspective are something that traditional university teachers can hardly provide."
Many students say these courses gave them a real glimpse into how economics works in the real world.
Lin Haoran nodded. "That's good. Teachers with practical experience produce students who are different from those with purely theoretical teachers. This approach is correct and should be continued. My group has a huge demand for financial talent, and I don't want to train bookworms."
Although there are economists in mainland China, the environment is ultimately too closed off.
Many experts only have theoretical knowledge but lack practical experience. Their understanding of market operations, capital flows, and risk control often remains at the book level.
Meanwhile, the mentors at Hengsheng Bank and Wall Street deal with real money every day, and what they teach their students is practical wisdom that can never be learned in the classroom.
"Mr. Lin, please rest assured that it is precisely because of this situation that we try to avoid hiring teachers from domestic universities and instead sign cooperation agreements directly with Hengsheng Bank and the elite team on Wall Street."
These mentors not only brought cutting-edge financial practical experience, but also brought international teaching concepts into the classroom.
"Our goal is to make Hengsheng School of Economics a cradle of financial talent in mainland China, not just another economics department that only talks the talk," the school leader said seriously.
Lin Haoran nodded.
"Mr. Lin, would you like to go in and take a look? The teaching building is in its final stages, mainly focused on finishing the decoration. Although there is still some dust and debris, it is generally taking shape," the school leader warmly invited.
Upon hearing this, Lin Haoran smiled and said, "In that case, let's go in and take a look. Xiaohan, you and Yaoguang sit and rest on this stone bench for a while. I'll come out after I've finished my tour."
Guo Xiaohan, holding the still-sleeping Lin Yaoguang, nodded: "Go ahead, I'll sit here for a while and enjoy the scenery of the campus."
After settling his wife and son in, Lin Haoran took the safety helmet, put it on, and followed the school leaders into the fenced-off construction area.
The new teaching building is very large, with wide corridors, high-ceilinged halls, spacious classrooms, and modern facilities, all exuding an air of "high standards and high starting point".
The school leader introduced the building, saying, "Mr. Lin, this teaching building has a total construction area of about 28,000 square meters. In addition to regular classrooms and office areas, it also has specialized functional areas such as an academic exchange center, a financial laboratory, a data analysis room, and a simulated trading room."
Among them, the financial lab and simulated trading room are designed according to the standards of top international business schools, equipped with the latest equipment and software, allowing students to simulate real financial market operations on campus.
The building was designed free of charge by a top architect who graduated from our school. When the architect heard that his alma mater was going to build the Hengsheng School of Economics, which was also donated by you, Mr. Lin, he offered to design it for free without taking a penny.
He said it was an honor to be able to use his expertise to do something for his alma mater and Mr. Lin. The school leader's tone carried a hint of pride.
Lin Haoran was slightly surprised upon hearing this.
Designing such a large teaching building for free is no small sum.
The designer's passion and vision moved him somewhat.
The group talked as they walked, and soon they arrived at the garden in front of the teaching building.
Lin Haoran's gaze was immediately drawn to it.
It's not that the garden is particularly beautiful, but rather that a bronze statue, over two meters tall, has been placed in the center of the garden.
And this sculpture is actually of himself!
The bronze statue depicts a lifelike figure wearing a suit, slightly turned to the side, gazing straight ahead, with his left hand in his pocket, his right hand hanging naturally, and a faint smile on his lips.
This is his most common posture on ordinary days.
The base of the bronze statue is made of a single piece of granite, with several lines of text engraved on it: "Mr. Lin Haoran, founder of Hengsheng Economics Institute, patriotic entrepreneur, honorary dean and honorary professor of Peking University, erected in 1983."
Lin Haoran stood in front of the bronze statue, unsure of what to say for a moment.
He turned to look at the school leaders, who quickly explained, "Mr. Lin, this was proposed and funded by the school's teachers and students. They felt that you had made such a great contribution to the school, and it was a memento of that.
The bronze statue was commissioned from a sculpture professor at the Beijing Academy of Fine Arts and took nearly six months to complete.
Lin Haoran stood in front of the bronze statue, silent for a long time.
He never expected that his statue would appear on the campus of Peking University, and be placed in the most conspicuous position in front of the teaching building.
The statue was not commissioned by him, nor was it funded by him; rather, it was created through fundraising by the school's teachers and students.
This kind of recognition moved him more than any official commendation.
He recalled the gleam of thirst for knowledge in the eyes of the students when he first gave a lecture at Peking University;
I recall the shock of the entire audience standing up and applauding when he announced a donation of HK$1 million to establish the Hang Seng Economics Institute.
I recall the tears in the eyes of that elderly professor, well past fifty, as he held his hand and said, "Mr. Lin, what you have done will influence a generation."
Those images overlapped with the bronze statue before him, stirring up an indescribable emotion within him.
Lin Haoran turned to the school leaders and said with a wry smile, "School leaders, this is far too grand. I donated to build the college not to leave my name, nor to erect a statue."
“Mr. Lin, we know you don’t care about these things.” The school leader’s gaze was frank and sincere. “But the students care, the teachers care, and the school cares.”
Your contributions to Hengsheng School of Economics, Peking University, and the country are real and tangible.
Leaving a bronze statue is not for showing off, but to let future generations know that there was once a person who did such a thing in this era.
Lin Haoran didn't say anything more, but just looked at the bronze statue again.
The statue depicts him with a gentle yet resolute expression, gazing into the distance with a faint smile on his lips.
That was his most common expression, unassuming and unpretentious, yet exuding composure and confidence. (End of Chapter)