novelraw Chapter 116 The Eve of the Departure: Passport, Checks, and a 30-cent "Pocket Money"
Chapter 116 The Eve of the Departure: Passport, Checks, and a 30-cent "Pocket Money"
The rainy season in Hong Kong shrouded the Deep Water Bay villas in a misty fog. Lin Yan finished his daily cultivation and gazed at the continuous rain outside the window. A thought of breaking free from this world welled up within him. He needed a broader stage, he needed to personally experience the place where the pulse of this era was strongest—America.
"Lin Er," he called out.
Lin Er appeared silently at the study door like a shadow. "Young Master, what are your orders?"
"Make arrangements, we're going to the United States. Book four tickets: one for me, one for you, and one for Lin Gang and Yu Ling. We'll fly to Tokyo, Japan first, and then transfer there to the United States," Lin Yan instructed clearly, knowing that in 1959, there were no convenient direct flights to the United States.
"Yes, young master." Lin Er replied, then reminded him, "Young master, you need to apply for visas in advance to go to Japan and the United States. You, Gang Ge, and Miss Yu Ling currently hold Hong Kong identity certificates, which are British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTC). You will need to apply for transit/tourist visas for Japan and visitor visas for the United States, respectively. The process may be a bit complicated."
Lin Yan nodded slightly: "It's alright. Go and prepare all the necessary documents and get it done as soon as possible."
The visa application process became a window for Lin Yan to observe the international rules of this era.
At the Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong, the process was relatively straightforward. Lin Yan and his two companions applied for visas citing "transit to the United States" and "brief tourism and research." The visa officer reviewed their flight booking confirmations, Hong Kong identity documents, and US visa application processing receipts, and asked a few simple questions, mainly regarding their itinerary and accommodation plans. Lin Yan answered fluently in Japanese, remained composed, and given his compelling reasons, the visa officer quickly stamped their documents with permission. The process was efficient, primarily focusing on the authenticity of the itinerary and basic proof of financial resources.
The atmosphere at the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong was much more serious. Under the Iron Curtain of the Cold War, the United States adopted a cautious approach to any applicants from nearby sensitive areas.
They were interviewed by a serious-looking American visa officer who flipped through a thick stack of documents that Lin Er had prepared.
"Mr. Lin Yan? 16 years old? Director of the Lin Group?" The visa officer looked up, his gaze behind his glasses sharp, his suspicion undisguised. "What is your purpose in going to the United States?"
"For tourism and sightseeing, and to conduct on-site research on the supermarket industry and emerging consumer trends in the United States," Lin Yan answered in clear and accurate English, his gaze calmly meeting that of the visa officer.
"Supermarket?" the visa officer pressed, seemingly trying to find some flaw in his statement. "Could you be more specific about what you're interested in?"
Lin Yan calmly listed a few names: "Yes. I'm interested in national chains like Safeway and Kroger, and also in potential regional innovations on the East Coast, such as Zayre, which focuses on discount pricing, or chains like Grand Union, which emphasize fresh produce. I want to see how they operate firsthand." The names he mentioned included both current giants and rising stars, and his insights were accurate, far exceeding the knowledge expected of someone his age.
A flicker of surprise crossed the visa officer's eyes, but his wariness remained: "Where is your funding? How can you guarantee you'll return to Hong Kong on time?"
Lin Yan gestured to the documents Lin Er had prepared: "My trip is fully funded by the family business. I have a vast family business in Hong Kong that needs to be inherited; it's my root that I can't leave. These are some of the asset certificates." The documents included company registration information, bank credit reports, property ownership certificates, etc.
The visa officer carefully reviewed the documents, remaining silent for a moment, seemingly still weighing his options. Ultimately, he probably concluded that while such a young billionaire was rare, it wasn't entirely impossible, and considering Lin Yan's maturity beyond his years and his business acumen, he stamped the document. "Have a pleasant trip in the United States, Mr. Lin." Although there were some questions during the process, thanks to thorough preparation, a well-planned itinerary, and Lin Yan's composed demeanor, he passed through without any major incidents.
On the eve of departure, Lin Er came to the study and respectfully handed over an exquisite checkbook: "Young Master, this is a checkbook containing bank drafts and cash checks from HSBC and Citibank. They are all linked to our main accounts and have been pre-signed. The limits are very high; you can withdraw funds at any time for any expenses you make in the United States. Please also carry some cash with you for unforeseen circumstances."
Lin Yan took the checkbook and smiled knowingly, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten about money. Well done, Lin Er." He then realized that he rarely handled any currency on a daily basis.
Once he got into the mood, he said, "By the way, I haven't had time to sort through the 'hardship fee' I brought back from the Golden Triangle last time." As he spoke, his consciousness stirred slightly.
In an instant, flashes of light appeared on the open floor of the study, and a pile of boxes, bags and packages of different sizes and materials appeared out of thin air, almost forming a small mountain, exuding a smell mixed with banknotes, metal and dust.
"Come on, let's take a look at our 'spoils of war'," Lin Yan said with a smile, inviting Lin Er and Lin Gang to come.
Opening the box was like opening a treasure chest. Inside were neatly stacked US dollar bills, bundles of British pounds, heavy gold bars, dazzling diamonds of various colors, and the most numerous items were lustrous and translucent jadeite rough stones and carvings.
After a rough count, the numbers were staggering.
"Young Master, the amount in US dollars in cash is approximately thirteen million," Lin Gang reported, his voice tinged with shock.
"More than five million pounds," Lin Er added, his tone steady but his eyes revealing surprise.
The value of gold and jade is difficult to estimate instantly, but it is undoubtedly astronomical. The pile of diamonds, though not large in size, is absolutely astonishing in value.
Lin Yan picked up a large, colorless diamond, examined it under the light, and said with little interest, "This thing seems to have no use other than its brilliance; it lacks depth. Gold and jade have much more character." He tossed the diamond back into the pile. "When I go to New York this time, I'll find a reputable jewelry store or auction house and sell all these diamonds to get some pocket money."
After giving his instructions, he contacted the head of the Americas group through his spiritual senses.
"Alexander!"
"I'll be arriving in New York in a few days. I'll be looking for a top-of-the-line villa on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, with excellent privacy, tight security, and complete amenities. Also, I'll be getting two new cars, the very best of the best." He paused, recalling the extravagantly styled Cadillac Eldorado in the Deep Water Bay garage, and added, "I've already seen the new Cadillac models there. This time, I'll change things up a bit and get two Lincoln Continentals, the latest models, one four-door sedan for daily use, and one... if they release a two-door hardtop or convertible, I'll get that too."
"Yes, sir," Winters replied immediately. "The villa arrangements will be made immediately to ensure you can move in upon arrival. As for the vehicle, a 1959 Lincoln Continental Capri or Premiere series would be an excellent choice; I will prepare two of the latest models for you."
Having severed all contact, Lin Yan looked at the pile of "pocket money" before him, feeling even more excited about his upcoming transoceanic journey. This time, revisiting familiar places, he was going to personally step into the torrent of this era.