Chapter 53: Thank God You’re Finally Back!
“.
The formulation of container standards was a technical measure promoted by America-led Western countries in pursuit of higher profits. This standardization significantly reduced shipping costs by improving loading and unloading efficiency, transportation efficiency, and cargo safety, making it far lower than rail transport.
This was undoubtedly a tool for America to consolidate its economic position. This change directly propelled the rapid expansion of global trade, making shipping the core pillar of the globalization process.
This so-called globalization was naturally not for the purpose of equality and mutual benefit, but dominated by sea power nations, a hidden form of exploitation of the vast developing countries and working people.
From the perspective of historical processes, the arrival of the container era further reinforced the economic and geopolitical advantages of sea power nations. These nations firmly controlled the lifeline of global trade by leveraging the cost and efficiency advantages of shipping.
The root of this advantage lies in the instrumental rationality of capitalist society—turning technological progress into a means of pursuing absolute profit. As Horkheimer’s critical theory reveals, technology under the capitalist framework is distorted into a tool of oppression, exacerbating economic inequality among different classes and consolidating the position of sea power nations.
Finally, if we set aside consciousness and look only at material aspects, the container revolution will reinforce the economic and geopolitical advantages of sea power nations, while the influence of land power nations will significantly decline, because the cost and efficiency advantages of shipping will make it occupy an irreplaceable position in global trade and economy.
Before this, it was difficult for countries to substantially integrate economically; after this, the curtain would rise on the globalization economic transformation.
The industrial transformation around containers in Hong Kong has already begun to take shape. We hope that you can send someone to track and observe this process.
The predicted data listed in this report—the actual situation will only be more exaggerated than my predictions. If you send someone, they can personally verify the data, and we hope to focus on observing the changes in the data.”
In this report, Lin Ran used a large amount of current and predicted data to demonstrate the future container revolution.
He even went specifically to 2020, typed it on a computer, and then spent a long time in New York to find an old-fashioned printer and yellowed machine paper, to create this aged version of the report.
This was also his last big gift from this Hong Kong trip.
He didn’t know if it would work: “Do your best and leave the rest to fate.”
“The weather is not as expected, but if we must go, we must fly. No more waiting for you to say goodbye, whether or not there is a plane”
On the day he left Hong Kong, the weather was sultry and hot, with heavy rain just passed, and the sky still overcast with dense clouds.
Lin Ran stood at the airport, bidding farewell one by one to the Governor, Hong Kong University President, shipping industry big shots, student representatives, and others who came to see him off. He glanced at the weather, and for some reason, the lyrics of “Years Like a Song” flashed through his mind.
“Professor Lin, soon I will address you as Sir Lin.
Because of your outstanding contributions in the field of mathematics, Her Majesty the Queen is very appreciative.
She has decided to confer knighthood upon you. Subsequently, our staff in New York will discuss with you the timing of Her Majesty the Queen’s conferment, including the entire academic community of England, which is also looking forward to your arrival.” said Governor Bailiji.
After Lin Ran’s latest achievement was disseminated to the global academic community through New Progress in Mathematics, it also caused a strong reaction.
Already, many mathematicians believe he will be the next Gauss, and under his hand, mathematics will be fully unified ahead of physics.
At this time, Grothendieck had not yet completed his most important algebraic tools, nor become the later algebraic geometry pope, but media were already calling him the Number Theory Emperor.
This media was not Chinese media, but local New York media.
After being transmitted back to Hong Kong, Hong Kong newspapers said, what Number Theory Emperor—wouldn’t Mathematical Emperor be more appropriate?
Because of this, what was originally just a Medal of Honor, the England side added a knighthood conferment segment.
Standing beside him, besides the staff, was also Special Branch’s senior Inspector Thomas. Upon hearing this, Thomas felt fortunate inwardly that he hadn’t made things difficult for the other party, otherwise he would have to stay in Hong Kong for life.
“Professor Lin, it’s a pity that Hong Kong University doesn’t yet have the environment to keep you here long-term. If one day in the future you want to leave Columbia University, please consider Hong Kong University first.
We will offer the most sincere conditions and also look forward to your visit next year.” Hong Kong University President Sir Lincoln was equally courteous.
Lin Ran thought to himself, next year, next year he probably wouldn’t be able to leave America without using the “gate”.
Xu Aizhou just shook hands and hugged without saying much. Chinese people and Englishmen are not of one mind, especially those in the shipping business—they’re competing for the same bowl of rice.
At this time in Hong Kong, besides local shipowners, there were also a large number of England shipping companies.
For secrecy, he and Dong Haoyun had racked their brains.
On the surface, the establishment of the Hong Kong shipping company was to compete against the Englishmen; in reality, it was to compete for the international standard.
For the latter, besides him and Dong Haoyun, the other shareholders were unaware.
When it came to Chen Jingrun, Lin Ran said even less: “Dehui, if you’re coming to New York, remember to call me in advance.”
Then he patted his back hard a few times, reminding him not to forget the treasure he left for him in his office.
Actually, no reminder from Lin Ran was needed—the person to pick it up had already set off.
As early as a week ago, old Feng, who was in charge of cleaning the Hong Kong University teaching building, had already been replaced, and no one even noticed. Wearing a mask, coughing whenever asked, then waving to indicate he was sick with physical discomfort.
Relying on this routine, he had been cleaning for a week without anyone noticing; old Feng had been swapped out.
The report was transported from Hong Kong-Yangcheng-Yanjing all the way back to Yanjing.
“Our past strategic focus has long been on land power, with land frontier security as the primary concern.
If it’s really as he said, that shipping will be the lifeline of future global trade, then should we adjust our strategy?”
“Developing shipping capability can help us better acquire overseas resources.
Should we increase investment in coastal ports like Shanghai and Yangcheng, and upgrade shipping infrastructure?
If through shipping we can more efficiently import raw materials needed for industry, that would be crucial for accelerating our industrialization process.”
“I suggest we start observing now. As the other party said, sending people to join Hong Kong shipowners for observation is very necessary.”
The result of the decision transmitted back to Hong Kong was that Section Chief Zhang resigned from the electronic components factory, preparing to find an opportunity to join the shipping company mentioned by Lin Ran.
After landing at New York Idlewild Airport, this airport was renamed Kennedy Airport only after Kennedy’s death; now that it’s not called Kennedy Airport, Lin Ran really felt it was a bit strange.
However, after landing, Lin Ran didn’t expect John Morgan to personally come to pick him up:
“Brother, thank God you’re finally back!”
