The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Lin Zhichao came to Japan again without stopping and found Tatsuro Yamashita for help.

"President Yamashita, I need your cooperative bank to open an LC for me to prove that the contract between us is guaranteed. This LC contract is very important to me, as it relates to the amount of loan HSBC is willing to lend."

Yamashita Tatsuro showed a trace of embarrassment, and then said: "Mr. Lin, the guarantee of this contract is not only for our Yamaguchi Steamship, but also for your global shipping. The risks of cargo ships at sea are even far greater than ours. Yamaguchi Steamship."

The implication is that the most important thing to guarantee is global shipping.

Lin Zhichao said confidently: "I promise you that I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities and be responsible to the end."

It stands to reason that if a boat is rented to someone else, it belongs to someone else, so what responsibility does it have to bear?

The responsibility of global shipping is to properly manage the ship. Shipping business is different from land-based business. Ships move on the sea, not on the ground.

For example, if you are working in a factory, you can see if you lock the factory door and everything is inside.

You can't lock the boat, how do you lock it?

It moves. If it doesn't move (breaks down), you will lose money.

The ship is moving and if it is not managed properly, something will go wrong, so the responsibility is really huge.

Yamashita Tatsuro seemed to be persuaded, but he still did not express his position or speak, as if he was thinking and embarrassed.

Lin Zhichao was so sharp that he had noticed Yamashita Tatsuro's intention, but he did not express his opinion;

He immediately guessed that with the shrewdness of the Japanese, they would definitely want certain benefits.

"President Yamashita, our Global Shipping Company is very good at managing its ships. You can rest assured about this. In addition, if my ship crashes while transporting your cargo, the insurance compensation will be all yours. I will directly ask the insurance company to pay the money Transfer it to your bank account and I won’t take a penny.”

Anyone who does shipping knows that the sea is ruthless and unpredictable, and the journey is full of dangers. In the event of an accident, you will receive a considerable amount of compensation.

Generally speaking, the insurance money is not enough to cover the total loss of the cargo and the ship, but if the shipowner gives up the insurance money, all the insurance money will be given to the cargo owner, so the cargo owner has no risk.

Of course Tatsuro Yamashita knew what Lin Zhichao's giving up of the insurance compensation meant to Lin Zhichao. He thought in his heart that since Lin Zhichao could make this promise, it showed that this person was indeed sincere, so he would fulfill his promise and they could cooperate more happily in the future.

"Okay, I promise you, I will take you to find our bank manager."

Lin Zhichao was immediately overjoyed. This matter was more than half successful. The bank needed to "break through" again. Fortunately, there were two lobbyists.

"Thank you, President Yamashita, for your trust!"

Later, Yamashita Tatsuro took Lin Zhichao and rushed to the Bank of Kobe, Japan.

Two days later.

When Lin Zhichao placed a very heavy 'letter of credit' issued by Kobe Bank in front of Sandus, the British guy touched the paper in disbelief.

He couldn't understand that Lin Zhichao was a young man with no background and little shipping experience. In just a few days, I got a letter of credit from a bank in Japan.

While surprised, Sandus already admired Lin Zhichao even more. He was thinking that if such a young man does not support him, it will definitely be a loss for HSBC.

In view of the 'gentleman's agreement' between the two, the most important thing for the banker is a 'letter', Sundarshi said: "Okay, I will do my best to facilitate this loan."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Thank you!"

Later, Sandus took Lin Zhichao to go through the formalities at HSBC Bank and left in a good mood. The loan is only a matter of time, and the HSBC project department has already agreed to the loan.

A huge sum of US$3 million is enough for Lin Zhichao to purchase five second-hand cargo ships of 10,000 tons, and his fleet will reach more than 100,000 tons.

Returning to Global Shipping, Lin Zhichao immediately convened a management meeting.

"Manager Feng, let Global Maritime Academy recruit 60 more students. This time, we must insist on people who have worked on ships first."

The management was overjoyed. The boss said this. It was obvious that Global Shipping was going to develop on a large scale. You know, there are already a wave of 120 seafarers being trained. There are a total of 180 seafarers, indicating that Global Shipping will double its size this time.

Could it be that HSBC loaned a lot to the company.

"Okay, I'll do it right away." Feng Yongfa said quickly.

There is no shortage of seafarers in Hong Kong. There are many seafarers in important positions such as captain, first mate and second mate, and chief engineer.

Later, Lin Zhichao also frankly informed everyone that HSBC was preparing to lend a huge sum of US$3 million to Global Shipping.

For a while, everyone was shocked.

You know, the five ships of Global Shipping are not worth three million US dollars. But the boss can get a loan of US$3 million. This is why HSBC wants to support his boss.

What an honor!

"So, you must work hard and make sure that there is no mistake in the management of the cargo ship. I am the same. I will supervise and inspect the work of the entire company. I hope you will not let me catch my fault."

"Yes, boss!"

Everyone responded with high spirits, as if they had been given a shot of blood.

They know that the boss has a very strong understanding and learning ability about shipping.

Such a boss can't rub the sand in his eyes.

When Lin Zhichao came to Yangtze River Industrial, he received positive information from Singdao that neither the purchase nor export of Xingdao Yangtze Zipper Factory was affected.

This made him relieved. After all, his household registration was in Hong Kong, so Lin Zhichao was worried that relevant US departments would seize this. Now it seems that the strategy of building factories around the world in order to avoid trade barriers is indeed effective.

In this way, Changjiang Industrial can spend the past three years safely and even make breakthroughs.

As for the Japanese zipper market, Cheung Kong is stronger than expected, so much so that YKK zippers cannot surpass Cheung Kong in market share for a while, let alone drive out of the Japanese market.

The market prices are similar for everyone, but the agents of Cheung Kong Industries have chosen to insist on continuing to cooperate. They have made a lot of money in the past few years, so even though it is only a small profit now, they still choose Cheung Kong Industries. What's more, the conditions given by YKK zippers are not generous.

As a result, YKK zippers can only rely on direct sales from manufacturers and a small number of agents to compete for large and medium-sized customers in Japan. Yangtze Zipper relies on its agents to supply small and medium-sized customers in Japan.

Such performance of YKK zippers convinced Lin Zhichao that if the Japanese market was like this, the overseas market would be completely defeated.

After a while, Sun Tao from the R\u0026D Department came to Lin Zhichao's office.

The R\u0026D department of Cheung Kong Holdings has a group of serious engineers with university education, most of whom immigrated to Hong Kong from the mainland. Their minimum salary is at the level of middle management, and they can only afford a 60-year-old engineer. High earners with meta nanny.

These engineers can ensure that the engineering machines can run at any time, and can continue to improve the machines, as well as develop some small machines, and hand them over to Bourne Machinery for production. At the same time, the R\u0026D department must ensure the optimization of the entire production system.

"Boss" Sun Tao greeted respectfully.

Being able to develop the industry to the level of a boss is already the pride and leader of the Chinese people. Sun Tao admires his boss very much.

Lin Zhichao motioned him to sit down, and then said: "I want to use nylon to produce zippers and become a pioneer in non-metal zippers. Therefore, I plan to join forces with Bern Machinery to conduct research in this area."

If he remembered correctly, the first country in the world to develop non-metallic zippers was the Federal Republic of Germany.

Now, he plans to join forces with Bourne Machinery to conduct research in this area.

If Yangtze River Industrial can take the lead in producing nylon zippers, the increase in reputation will be very beneficial.

After thinking for a while, Sun Tao said: "If nylon zippers can be developed, the cost will be greatly reduced."

Their R\u0026D department deals with zippers and zipper machines every day, and the level of the products is naturally not what it used to be.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Non-metal zippers are a trend in the future. Not to mention the elimination of metal zippers, at least they will become more popular. My idea is that you take people to Bern Machinery to discuss cooperative research and development matters. What's the matter? Regarding the specific plan, whether you need to set up an R\u0026D department in Germany, I will support you; in terms of funding, even if 10% of the profits are used as R\u0026D expenses, I can agree."

10% of the research and development expenses is about 500,000 Hong Kong dollars, which is already a high ratio for companies in this era.

Sun Tao immediately felt that the task was very heavy. The boss was very determined in research and development, so he said seriously: "Okay, I will organize and come up with a plan as soon as possible."

He knew that his boss also knew mechanics, and his credit for improving the zipper rice arranging machine was due to his boss. Because of this, everyone in the R\u0026D department knows that it is not easy to satisfy the boss.

"Well, go get busy!"

After laying out this initial task, Lin Zhichao also decided that he should pay attention to the R\u0026D strength of Yangtze River Industry and need some high-tech products in the future. For example, the internal structure of a Rubik's Cube requires architecture and physics, and the interior of a high-end Rubik's Cube is even more complicated. Fortunately, although this thing is a bit technological, it is not something that cannot be built in Hong Kong.

In late December, Lin Zhichao came to London again to purchase second-hand ships.

This time, he brought along deputy general manager Feng Yongfa and several middle managers.

Of course, this does not mean that he will leave the purchase of ships to others in the future. After all, this is unrealistic. A second-hand ship costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Lin Zhichao will not be relieved if he does not personally participate. Moreover, the one-time purchase may be for several ships, so Lin Zhichao is even less likely to trust others.

When he arrived in London, Lin Zhichao asked his men to stay in a hotel while he took Audrey Hepburn to his apartment.

As soon as he arrived at the apartment, Lin Zhichao just put his arms around her slender waist. Audrey Hepburn immediately changed her face and changed her attitude towards her on the road.

"You don't miss me at all! Every time you buy a boat and go on a date with me, but this time, it took you three months to come. It shows that you don't love me at all." After saying this, Audrey Hepburn hugged her arms. arms, and turned around, looking angry.

When Lin Zhichao saw this, he knew it was time to coax the woman.

First, he hugged Audrey Hepburn from behind;

Later, when Audrey Hepburn was trying to get away, Lin Zhichao's head was already on her shoulders, and he immediately restrained her.

Finally, Lin Zhichao whispered in her ear: "It's my fault for neglecting my beautiful princess, so I am willing to stay for you for a week this time and accompany you every day."

As soon as she finished speaking, Audrey Hepburn immediately changed her face again and turned around.

"Humph, why don't you excuse yourself and say that you came to London specifically to see me in September, and you don't always come to buy boats."

Audrey Hepburn's tone also softened a lot.

"How could I quibble in front of you!"

Lin Zhichao felt a little guilty towards Audrey Hepburn and concealed the fact that he was married. Probably he would only lie to this one woman in his life.

Subsequently.

"Audrey, your health is much better than before. You are no longer weak!"

"Ah! My body is indeed much better. I haven't felt dizzy for a long time. It's amazing!"

More than magical!

When Audrey interacted with him, not only did her body recover a lot, but even her skin became more delicate. If it is said that Lin Zhichao gave her money and her living conditions improved, this is obviously only a small part of the reason.

After all, congenital deficiencies are not so easy to make up for. The most likely reason is Lin Zhichao.

Of course, this kind of thing can only be imagined but not expressed.

"Honey, I want a baby!"

Suddenly, Lin Zhichao almost left Audrey Hepburn on the ground.

What a surprise!

"Did you lie to me about something?"

"I'm just surprised!"

Audrey probably got it wrong, and said with a smile: "Don't worry! You are the world's shipping king in the future, and you will soon be a super rich man who owns 10 tons of ships. My mother will definitely like you!"

She is just a small actress, and she only starred in dramas, so she felt that the skin color of the two would not be a problem, because Lin Zhichao was very rich; at the same time, there was not much generation gap between the two of them in terms of communication and thoughts.

Therefore, having lost her father since childhood, she suddenly wanted to get married and have children.

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Audrey, we are still young, I hope to see the day when you become a real actor, this is your dream, and it will also become my dream in the future."

In this way, Audrey was finally fooled and didn't mention that.

The next day, Lin Zhichao still chose to work. Buying a ship is a major event and cannot be sloppy.

Fortunately, in this regard, Audrey is very supportive.

In the ship brokerage company of Willis, Lin Zhichao and his colleagues are checking the ship information.

Willis said in a flattering tone: "Lin, since you called, I have not only searched for suitable targets in the London market, but also in other European countries. I must let you buy a satisfactory ship. The ship information here, a total of There are seven 10,000-ton cargo ships, three 8,000-ton cargo ships, two 7,000-ton cargo ships, and a total of twelve ocean-going ships."

When Lin Zhichao was in a hurry to sign a contract with Shankou Steamship, he asked Willis to look for suitable ship information first. Although the loan may not be successful, even so, Willis would not complain, because he had already made money in Lin Zhichao's hands. Quite a few.

And he can still use this information.

For ship brokers, they not only look for the source of goods, but also inquire about the authenticity and risk of the source of goods. For example, what is wrong with the ship, what is the reputation in the port or among the crew, these brokers have ways to find out the news.

Therefore, shipping companies generally do not deceive ship brokers, only some ship brokers deliberately deceive some customers. Of course, the premise is that the client has no background and is weak in financial situation.

For a large shipping company like Global Shipping, if the ship broker cheats, he will definitely face a lawsuit.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "I hope I can return with a full load this time!"

Friends are friends, and business is business. This time, Lin Zhichao will not only read information from Willis; he has brought several management members with him, and he intends to cast a wide net in London.

Not only consider the value for money of the boat, but also consider a special situation - which shipping company can provide installment payment.

In other words, Lin Zhichao hopes to buy not only a ship worth 3 million US dollars, but maybe 4 million US dollars, maybe 5 million US dollars.

Of course, the finances of the three ships leased to Yamaguchi Steamship have been frozen by HSBC Bank. It is equivalent to the next year and a half. The profits of these three ships can only be repaid to HSBC Bank (net profit after expenses).

Willis also understands that Lin Zhichao has brought a lot of colleagues from the company this time, and he may not only investigate in his hands, but he still has great confidence; at least, this person has already called him in advance before buying the ship Hello, this gives him more and better resources.

This is his proper God of Wealth.

"The Victory Wheel made in 1944, worth 820,000 US dollars." Soon, Lin Zhichao was surprised to find that the Victory Wheel appeared.

Lin Zhichao is very enthusiastic about free rounds and victory rounds. Moreover, Lin Zhichao once carefully observed the Shengli ship and found that it could be transformed into a container cargo ship. Although the center of gravity will be a little unstable, if you put heavy objects on the bottom of the bilge, you can achieve balance.

In this way, it can become Lin Zhichao's test ship in the future!

At the same time, he found that the price of this Victory Ship had only increased by less than 20%, which was obviously a very good price.

"Which shipping company is this Victory Ship? Why do they want to sell this newer ship?" Lin Zhichao asked directly.

Willis did not hide his secrets, and said: "It was the Cunard company last time. They needed to adjust their business, not to mention that they can sell at a high price now. Naturally, it is not surprising. The important thing is that they can provide installment payment, and the down payment is only half of it." The shipping fee can be paid off in one year.”

Big companies are different. They don't worry about who will default on their debts, and they can earn interest on installment payments.

"Well, this ship is indeed good. Let's reserve it for now! We will consider the other ships carefully and get back to you as soon as possible."

"OK!"

In the next few days, Lin Zhichao sent Feng Yongfa and others to inquire about the news of major ship brokers in London, and while he was finishing the victory round, he dated Audrey Hepburn.

He stayed in London for just over ten days, finally settling all the ship purchase matters and completely bringing Audrey Hepburn into submission.

In terms of cargo ships: one 15,000-ton Victory Ship (US$820,000), four 10,000-ton cargo ships aged 18-25 years (US$620,000, US$630,000, US$660,000, US$680,000), two 8,000-ton ships Cargo ships of 16-year-old tonnage class (USD 540,000, USD 550,000).

The total boat payment is 4.5 million U.S. dollars, and a small amount of taxes and fees need to be paid, which should add up to about 4.65 to 4.7 million U.S. dollars. Of course, there is an installment payment of 1.8 million, plus interest of less than 200,000.

Equivalently, Lin Zhichao will spend 4.8 to 4.9 million US dollars this time. And he only has 3 million U.S. dollars, and he still has 1.9 million U.S. dollars in debt (including interest).

But Lin Zhichao is not in a hurry at all. This batch of cargo ships has a load capacity of 75,000 tons. He has increased the carrying capacity of Global Shipping by 1.5 times in one go.

Once all are put into use, the total load capacity of global shipping will reach about 127,000 tons, which is simply a leap to the sky.

Although compared to the legend of Bao Yugang's previous life - one ship became seven after one year, it is a bit worse.

However, global shipping is growing on a large scale after all, with a large base.

After this expansion, Global Shipping will have to wait at least half a year before formulating a new ship purchase plan.

Moreover, it is impossible for HSBC to lend again this year, or it should be possible by the end of the year.

Fortunately, he has a total of 90,000 tons of ships, which can continuously generate profits, that is, he does not need to repay the HSBC loan.

In mid-January 1951, Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong, leaving Feng Yongfa in London to continue to lead people to focus on the purchased ship.

Lin Zhichao likes to carry out maintenance and painting after purchasing a second-hand freighter, which gives people the feeling that it is a relatively new ship;

The reason is simple, it takes time to collect cargo, loading/unloading at the port also takes time, and the speed of a fully loaded cargo ship is also slow; if it is empty, it may take 18 days to sail from Europe to Hong Kong. Going back and forth is a waste of 30 days.

For Japanese charter customers, they allow your ship to be in Hong Kong when the charter is in effect because it is also very convenient. Whether you are going to Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, America, or Africa, it is the only way to go.