The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

At 6:30 in the morning, Lin Zhichao came to Lu Yu Tea House on Yongji Street. This time he did not bring his family; although he usually took his family to a high-end tea house for morning tea many times.

In this era, Hong Kong people have a popular concept of "three teas and two meals", that is, morning tea, afternoon tea, late-night tea, lunch, and dinner.

Some teahouses open at four o'clock in the morning, because many fruit and vegetable stalls, fresh fish shops, etc. need to get up very early; later in the day, blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, and gold and banking industry owners and practitioners are open; at eight o'clock in the morning, it is morning tea During the peak period, all walks of life came to take a seat.

Afternoon tea is mostly for socializing, business entertainment between businessmen and brokers; late night tea is the most leisurely, entertaining and truly enjoyable time of the day.

There are different levels of entry into teahouses. Nowadays, there is a saying that "if you have money, you can go upstairs, but if you don't have money, you can squat down" or "for rice, you can go up to a high building". Because teahouses at this time generally had a business area of ​​two or three floors, the price of tea upstairs was generally more expensive than that downstairs, in order to distinguish the completely different realms upstairs and downstairs; high-end tea shops were on the third floor, and even set up a singing circle , the price of tea is even higher.

As soon as Lin Zhichao stepped into Lu Yu Teahouse, he was immediately greeted by the teahouse at the door, thinking that this was probably the most distinguished guest of Lu Yu Teahouse.

"Lin Sheng, please come upstairs!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and led Xue Junshan towards the third floor.

There are already people singing songs in the music circle on the third floor, and the voices are melodious and sweet. Even though it is early in the morning, it does not feel noisy. On the contrary, it can make you feel calm.

When Lin Zhichao arrived, he immediately changed to a teahouse to greet him. He was an old acquaintance. Naturally, there is a teahouse on the third floor, and the one on the first floor belongs to the doorman.

"Lin Sheng, Li Sheng has arrived, please come this way!"

Pushing through the door of the elegant room, Li Gaofu was sitting. Then he stood up and said formally: "Lin Sheng, you are here!"

Lin Zhichao nodded, then sat down and said, "Have you ordered it?"

Li Gaofu said politely: "Wait for your order!"

Lin Zhichao then stopped talking nonsense and ordered skillfully: "Ah Jin, give us two portions of aged Pu'er. For snacks, just stuffed pig-run siomai, barbecued pork buns, and lotus seed paste buns, that's all!"

Stuffed pig-run siomai, paired with a cup of aged Pu'er, it's really great!

He ordered a lot, but as Lin Zhichao was a regular customer, Ah Jin was no longer surprised by his appetite; more importantly, the eater was not fat at all.

"Okay, Lin Sheng, Li Sheng, wait a moment!"

Later, Lin Zhichao and Li Gaofu chatted. Because of Li Gaofu's career, the two families naturally "do not communicate", only Lin Zhichao and Li Gaofu found a private tea room to gather together.

Lin Zhichao asked, "How is the situation of the Eastern Trader?"

He was quite concerned about that boat, after all, he had operated it before. The performance is good in all aspects, the only thing is that the load capacity is too small.

Li Gaofu said: "After the insurance trip was completed, we settled the account. Calculated from the time it was handed over to us, there was a profit of HK$1.52 million. In just two dangerous trips, we made a profit of HK$1.1 million."

It’s very profitable, and it only takes a year!

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "If you make so much money, why is it over?"

Li Gaofu said: "It's just too profitable, and I feel very scared. I heard that some ships were hijacked and brought to Taiwan Island; some ships encountered torpedoes in the Taiwan Strait, and the insurance companies refused to pay compensation, saying that it was a war zone."

This is very reasonable!

To be honest, British insurance companies are really reputable. Even mainland ships are covered by their insurance, and British insurance companies actually compensate for those detained due to Taiwan Island. It is said that a certain important person was very surprised when he heard this.

Ships in the Far East are basically insured by British insurance companies. However, as far as Lin Zhichao knows, around the 1960s, British insurance companies saw that Hong Kong shipowners and shipping kings were buying second-hand ships, and each was older than the last. They thought it was not cost-effective, so they decided to significantly increase the insurance premiums for second-hand ships.

As a result, Bao Yugang, Dong Haoyun and others started to build new ships one after another.

Lin Zhichao asked again: "If you don't take the risky journey, how do you plan to manage it? Have you considered entering the shipping industry?"

Li Gaofu smiled bitterly and said: "How can the shipping industry be so easy to do? Only you, Zhichao, can do it well. The most important thing is that you have to have a bank or backer. We are self-aware; so, let's run one-way leasing with Oriental Trader. Just keep making money.”

Lin Zhichao said: "You will definitely be put on the banned list by the U.S. Department of Commerce and will not be able to do business with the United States for at least ten years. I can tell you this in advance."

Li Gaofu was surprised and said, "Is there such a thing?"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Otherwise, what do you think so many spies from the United States and Taiwan are doing in Hong Kong? They can't do anything to you. The most they can do is threaten you, and then blacklist them."

Indeed, these spies do not dare to act recklessly in Hong Kong, because the Hong Kong government has always been a bit disobedient to propaganda. Even the United Kingdom itself was forced to follow the United States under pressure. Once someone is actually killed, the Hong Kong government will definitely pursue the case, and the gain will outweigh the loss.

What's more, there are so many people in Hong Kong engaged in this industry. If you dare to force yourself, I'm afraid the safety of your consulate staff cannot be guaranteed.

After thinking about it for a while, Li Gaofu said: "It's okay! I don't think so long-term, as long as I can make money in Hong Kong."

Lin Zhichao nodded, these people have no choice, including all those engaged in the 'smuggling' industry, they have no choice.

After making tea.

Lin Zhichao couldn't help but feel refreshed when he smelled the fragrance of tea.

The tea leaves in high-end teahouses can be brewed an average of 4 to 5 times and still have a strong tea flavor. However, even the so-called high-end tea leaves in ordinary teahouses can be brewed 2 to 3 times at most and lose the tea flavor.

Lin Zhichao sipped the tea and said: "Drinking too much Longjing in summer will hurt the stomach and intestines. Only high-end teas such as Lu'an tea and Pu'er tea are suitable for drinking more. Some people bring chrysanthemums and sugar to the teahouse and add them to Pu'er tea to make a drink. It is said that It has the function of relieving heat. The Pu'er tea of ​​each teahouse is different. The Pu'er tea of ​​Deyun Teahouse has a stronger taste and is generally bitter; the Pu'er tea of ​​No. 1 Teahouse is smooth and sweet, and is easier to drink. If it is generally accepted The best Pu'er tea is from Lu Yu Tea House."

Li Gaofu usually has time to enjoy tea, but is racking his brains to transport goods every day, but hearing Lin Zhichao's explanation is naturally very useful. After all, when the smuggling business stops, he himself will be the big boss.

"It seems I still know too little about the tea ceremony. I should take the time to learn more in the future."

Lin Zhichao said: "They have tea for sale, specially prepared for regular customers. You can buy some later. When you are too busy, make a pot of tea and drink it to recharge your brain and refresh your thoughts."

Li Gaofu nodded.

Later, Li Gaofu said: "This time I received a dividend of more than 900,000 Hong Kong dollars and wanted to invest in property. After all, I didn't think about what to do with the money for a while."

Lin Zhichao immediately asked: "Do you want to be a developer or a rent collector?"

Li Gaofu is now considered to have a small net worth. Even after Fu Hexing distributes this sum of 1.5 million Hong Kong dollars, the asset value will still be nearly 2 million (including ships). According to 62.5% of the shares, Li Gaofu's net worth has reached more than 2 million, which is much richer than the airship Taidu at this time.

Unknowingly, Lin Zhichao has cultivated a wealthy man. Of course, he will have to go his own way in the future, and Lin Zhichao will no longer help him with advice.

The reason why Li Gaofu was given guidance before was because Lin Zhichao could not do the 'smuggling' business, so he supported Li Gaofu to do it. They are relatives anyway, not to mention Li Gaofu's ability is acceptable.

However, Li Gaofu seemed to understand that investing in property was a very good choice, so he said: "I want to buy a piece of land or an old building, and invite Changjiang Real Estate to cooperate in the development in the future. What do you think?"

It was a kind of repayment. After all, he knew that Lin Zhichao could cheat the White Wolf, but he also felt that he would not lose.

Lin Zhichao looked at the smart Li Gaofu and said, "Why not develop it yourself?"

Li Gaofu said with a smile: "Not everyone is suitable to be a developer, not to mention that I am not very strong. If we can cooperate with each other for a win-win situation, of course it is the best choice." The implicit meaning is that I can also cooperate with you. earned money.

Lin Zhichao nodded. There are always losses in real estate. It cannot be said that it is a guaranteed profit.

"In this way, you can keep your money in your hand. I will ask someone to find an old building. Then I will introduce you to buy it and collect the rent. When it needs to be rebuilt in the future, I will ask your opinion again, whether it is a cooperation or a sole proprietorship. Anyway, I will find a good time for you."

When he heard about finding a good time, Li Gaofu knew that he had found the right person. My cousin was able to brake in time and not engage in real estate in 1948-1949, which shows that his analysis of real estate prospects is very accurate.

"Okay! Thank you so much, otherwise I wouldn't even have a chance!"

"You're welcome, I won't let you suffer anyway!"

In fact, Lin Zhichao already has a goal. He has long been interested in two properties owned by the Ho Tung family:

One of them is a commercial land of about 16,000 square feet on Des Voeux Road in Central. He plans to build a "Global Tower" on this land. Of course, it is impossible to cooperate with others on this land.

The other land parcels are Nos. 16-20 Kimberley Road and Nos. 40-46 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. These properties cover an area of ​​about 23,000 square feet. They are still old-fashioned residential buildings and are currently being leased.

The land at Nos. 16 to 20 Kimberly Road and Nos. 40 to 46 Canadian Road, later known as the Champagne Building, is currently valued at around $900,000 to $1.2 million.

If Li Gaofu had bought it, in the mid-1950s, Lin Zhichao would have cooperated with him, and he would have paid for the land and other expenses himself, and the developer would have lived in the integrated building.

But these things are not urgent. Lin Zhichao still can't raise the money to buy the land on Des Voeux Road. The price will not increase anyway, so there is no rush.

One month later.

In early August, Lin Zhichao came to Global Shipping Company. He asked the financial officer to take the statements to his office, and then carefully reviewed them.

Global Shipping has a total of 12 cargo ships, that is, 12 companies (the names are the names of the ships), and the finances are calculated separately. Although Lin Zhichao packaged and leased it to a Japanese shipping company, when he signed the contract, he signed one contract for one ship.

After a while, Lin Zhichao stretched and already knew:

The combination of two Liberty ships and one Victory ship (36,000 tons) has received rent for eight months this year, with an average monthly profit of about US$200,000; and the monthly profits are used to repay the debt of HSBC, which is about If it is repaid in 18 months, the principal plus interest will be approximately more than 3.6 million US dollars; that is to say, there are still 10 months of repayment, and the repayment will be completed in June next year.

The seven ships purchased later, totaling about 75,000 tons, were subcontracted to two shipping companies, but the rents were about the same; the monthly profit was about 400,000 U.S. dollars. The lessee has paid 7 months of rent, and the profit has been about 2.8 million U.S. dollars. . Monthly installments of US$180,000 need to be repaid until February next year (12-month period). Currently, US$1.08 million has been repaid for 6 months. Therefore, this part of the vessel has a cash flow of US$1.72 million.

Two bulk carriers of 7,000 to 9,000 tons have opened fixed routes, with a total profit of US$720,000 in the first seven months.

As a result, Global Shipping's cash flow has reached US$2.4 million (the donated funds have been spent); in terms of debt, the total including interest is US$3.08 million.

In other words, once September’s rent is collected, Global Shipping’s debt is equivalent to being wiped out.

"I will buy a boat this month, but first I have to go to HSBC Bank to seek a new loan."

Lin Zhichao was confident of getting the loan because all of Global Shipping's cash flow was in HSBC's account, and the money was visible.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao was also calculating an account.

As far as he knew, the Suez Canal was closed in the second half of 1956, and the war broke out in October, so if this batch was signed for five years, even if it was cheaper, it would be very suitable. When the five-year contract expires, you can sign the contract at a higher price.

The matter of signing a contract is mostly in the hands of shipowners. Once the Suez Canal crisis breaks out, ships sailing in Europe will have to take twice as many detours, which is equivalent to a significant "reduction" of cargo ships and oil tankers in the entire world.

For example, the number of ships on this route accounts for 30% of the world's ships, but now 30% of the ships are needed to run this route. This is equivalent to the urgent need for 30% of the world's ships to be supplemented. In fact, shipbuilding is not that fast (about 2 years), so shipping costs generally increase by more than three times.

At that time, the Japanese shipping company would probably take the initiative to lease a five-year long-term lease. In his previous life, Bao Yugang just happened to catch up with that wave of market conditions, and he achieved the status of the shipping king in later generations.

Others need to travel around the world to understand the government and local conditions, and then decide on the lease period based on this information. Fortunately, Lin Zhichao doesn't have to worry about those problems. He is already well prepared, although he can also collect information and understand current events.

The next day.

Lin Zhichao came to Sandus's office and made his request. It would be difficult to communicate directly with the project manager Charlie. Therefore, Sandus must be convinced first, and then the two of them go to the project department.

Sandus personally made tea for Lin Zhichao. He knew about global shipping and felt that its prospects were limitless. The development of this company is also equivalent to one of my achievements in HSBC, and it is the best performance.

Lin Zhichao thanked him and then said: "I came here this time to persuade the HSBC Project Department to lend another US$3 million to Global Shipping to expand the fleet. We can use each of the seven ships signed at the beginning of this year. Monthly rent, monthly loan repayment and interest.”

Sandus was not surprised. He had calculated that Lin Zhichao would come to discuss this matter either this month or next month.

"So, you want to buy seven large freighters of about 10,000 tons?"

According to Lin Zhichao's model of purchasing ships, Sanders guessed it.

"good!"

Seeing that Lin Zhichao was full of confidence, Sundas said calmly: "After buying the boat, do you plan to lease it all for a long time? Has the lease object been finalized?"

This is very important. If Lin Zhichao has already found a customer, then the chances of success of this loan are greater and more stable.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "The intention to lease four ships has been confirmed. As for the remaining three ships, I think there is not a big problem. First of all, Japan's economy is in a period of development and there is still a large amount of cargo to be shipped; secondly, I and I Japanese shipping companies and even the business community have reached a subconscious friendly cooperative relationship, and no one can take my place for the time being; finally, the shipping industry in the Far East is still very strong, and I also want to open a fixed route to Europe."

This year and next year are the most intense years of war, and the shipping situation has not cooled down much. And Lin Zhichao is the first shipowner to charter long-term to Japanese customers, and he is also the most trusted shipowner, so chartering is not a problem.

This time, Lin Zhichao intends to take out a ship and open up a fixed route to Europe, which can be regarded as expanding his business. He can rent most of the boats for long-term, but he will also operate fixed routes, and even enter short-term rental services in the future.

Sandas asked again: "Let's go, today we will go to the project department to discuss, I believe the problem is not big."

Lin Zhichao was overjoyed. It seemed that HSBC really liked him. In fact, since Lin Zhichao purchased old ships and shipping prices were high, HSBC felt that it could provide some loans, but there was still a certain distance between them and support.

Building an 8,000-ton cargo ship in Europe costs about 1.8 to 2 million U.S. dollars. If a bank lends money to the ship owner, it will take three years to repay the capital if the market is good (such as now). It usually takes five years if the market is bad. If the market is bad, not only will it not make money, On the contrary, you may even lose money (interest).

Therefore, the real need to test the relationship between Lin Zhichao and HSBC is when new ships are built in the future.

In the meeting room of Global Shipping, more than a dozen high-level executives gathered together.

At the beginning of the meeting, Lin Zhichao asked: "Why are the management personnel of the technical department paying for the maintenance of the ship?"

This was a problem he discovered when he checked the accounts.

Everyone trembled, they all knew that the boss didn't like his subordinates to waste every penny of his money, and they extremely wanted to eliminate the possibility of waste and corruption.

He Yunjin, the manager of the technical department, immediately said: "Boss, every time you pay this maintenance fee, I will personally review it."

Lin Zhichao waved his hand and interrupted: "That's not the reason! As technicians, you only know technology, do you also know how to bargain? It can even be said bluntly that you don't have much money awareness."

He Yunjin could only acquiesce and felt relieved. It was not just the boss who suspected the technology department of corruption. As for not knowing how to bargain, there is some basis for it.

At this time, Fang Ping from the Finance Department said: "Boss, do you mean that this expense needs to be negotiated and paid by people from our Finance Department in person?"

Lin Zhichao asked back: "What else?" Then he said: "You know, I have fully recruited each of your departments and have enough talent reserves. For things like this, the technical department is responsible for docking, and your financial department is responsible for communicating with the currency. If you don’t understand something, you can communicate with the technical department. In short, save me the annual maintenance fees. I would rather give employees benefits than waste my money. Give employees good treatment, please read my words Okay; I’ll give the maintenance shop a huge cut, and they’ll accuse me behind my back of taking advantage of me. Do you think you want to change this?”

"Change!"

The managers immediately understood what the boss was thinking and agreed one after another. It’s not that the boss doesn’t trust the people in the technical department, but he thinks that the people in the technical department don’t know how to bargain, and no one in the finance department understands money; therefore, the finance department should be responsible for this kind of expenditure.

Lin Zhichao's management was very strict. He did not allow the captain and others to accept banquets or gamble on board.

In short, he cares about the company's frugality because he wants to develop good company habits. Otherwise, if left unchecked for a long time, it will become increasingly difficult to manage.

"Okay, please solve this problem! Next, the company must be fully prepared to welcome new cargo ships into operation. HSBC has agreed to lend 3 million US dollars to Global Shipping to purchase ships, plus 200 US dollars on our account With more than ten thousand, I can buy at least seven 10,000-ton cargo ships this time. Of course, I will also consider seven or eight thousand-ton cargo ships."

Feng Yongfa immediately expressed his position and said: "There is no problem for senior seafarers. It is feasible to adopt the old and bring in the new, and mix and match. Ordinary seamen have no problem and can board the ship at any time."

Lin Zhichao said: "Yes, but we can't take it lightly."

"OK!"

Afterwards, various departments made arrangements, and Lin Zhichao felt relieved.

Of course, he did a lot of things himself. For now, Lin Zhichao’s focus is still on shipping and zippers.