Building a Flourishing Tang Dynasty

“This plot of land is one we are determined to win!” Facing a throng of journalists, Hong Lei, the owner of Oriental Land Company, spoke confidently on the steps of the Hong Kong Land Exchange.

“May I ask—” The reporters hurried to question him, but he waved them off and entered the exchange with his assistants.

Hong Lei found a seat in the exchange hall and looked around; all familiar faces, old rivals—members of the Li family, the Guo family, the Wu family, the Chen family… He hadn’t expected that he would one day have the chance to compete for land alongside these legendary real estate magnates.

After exchanging a few words with acquaintances, he sat down, closed his eyes, and waited in silence for the imminent and fierce land auction.

…

Hong Lei’s English name was Richman—a playful claim of his, for the obvious implication. He was a “sea turtle,” a doctorate in architecture, son of a father who had started as a humble laborer and contractor. His father had many friends who brought him countless business—demolition, construction—so money was never scarce, but people mocked him for his lack of education and taste. In a fit of pique, he sent his snot-nosed boy, Hong Lei, off to a British public school.

Back then, when he sent his son abroad, he wasn’t yet among the wealthiest; merely a second-tier tycoon. By the time Hong Lei returned, his father’s business had soared, and he’d become extravagantly rich. Somewhat regretful, he’d say, “Had I known this was coming, I wouldn’t have sent you, you little rascal, overseas!”

Nowadays,