The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

In the private room of Lu Yu Teahouse, Lin Zhichao and Li Gaofu made an appointment to have tea and snacks together.

"Are you in contact with companies in the mainland?"

Li Gaofu put down his tea cup and said, "Well, we have a lot of business dealings with Nanhua Company and others, and gradually everyone will become familiar with it."

Lin Zhichao asked curiously: "How much has that airship Tai earned in the past three years?"

This is something he is very curious about. As for treating Airship Tai as a real estate rival, there is no need to do so.

When it comes to real estate, Airship Tai is no match for Lin Zhichao, not to mention that Airship Tai will be targeted by the Hong Kong government!

Li Gaofu thought about it seriously, and then said: "Although he worked hard and worked day and night, he had many partners at the beginning, and then there were many partners later, and his earnings are estimated to be three to four million Hong Kong dollars."

Lin Zhichao nodded. Maybe Li Gaofu's appearance even affected the airship Taiba. In his previous life, he earned an estimated five to six million Hong Kong dollars.

Although Li Gaofu made little money from "smuggling" in the mainland, after all, Li Gaofu mainly transported goods to Omen, so he earned slightly less; but Li Gaofu also owned a boat, and he did earn a lot in the past few years, so his net worth should be Nearly five million Hong Kong dollars.

Later, Lin Zhichao said: "Buy women's long hair from the mainland for me, and I will give it to you at a price of 5 Hong Kong dollars each. The more the better, there is no limit, just remember to keep a low profile, after all, these things will be sold to Americans in the future. "

Li Gaofu was stunned and asked: "Can you sell long hair for money?"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "If it is processed, a wig can be sold for 500 Hong Kong dollars. Do you think it is worth it?"

Li Gaofu said incredulously: "These Yankees are really fucking rich! Okay, I'll go and talk to Nanhua Company, but I think there are so many long hairs in the Mainland, I'm afraid they can accept even one Hong Kong dollar. If Nanhua Company makes more money, give me 4 Hong Kong dollars are enough."

Lin Zhichao waved his hand and said: "Just go with this price. I don't know how many hands have changed in the meantime, so it is reasonable for me to give you 5 Hong Kong dollars."

Li Gaofu will say no more!

The hair from the mainland was handed over to Li Gaofu to buy, but he couldn’t just use the hair from the mainland, otherwise it would soon cause dissatisfaction in the United States; for this reason, he had to buy hair from Indonesia and India.

In the conference room of Global Shipping, a group of senior executives gathered together for a meeting.

In fact, Global Shipping has all the capabilities to expand its business in Europe and the United States - that is, leasing it to European and American customers. However, considering that the war is not over yet, Americans will definitely not charter a Chinese ship, so Lin Zhichao's goal is to formally enter the European and American business next year, that is, the oil tanker business.

The advantage is of course the low price, otherwise it would be difficult to enter the European and American markets. Although the price is low, Lin Zhichao can obtain higher profits as long as he makes good use of 'unexpected events'.

However, in today's meeting room, what Lin Zhichao said was: "I plan to buy 6-7 10,000-ton cargo ships, and then hand them over to Japanese shipyards to convert them into 'oil-cargo mixed-loading' ships. What do you think?"

Deputy General Manager Feng Yongfa said: "I think this decision is very good. It can not only get a slightly higher rent, but also don't need to worry about business problems. The Japanese shipyard also told us that this kind of ship has a great market in Japan."

He Yunjin, manager of the technical department, also said: "We have inspected this kind of ship several times and even inspected it with the ship. We feel that there is no problem with the technical safety."

Speaking of which, the Japanese shipyard took the initiative to recommend this operation method to Lin Zhichao, but Lin Zhichao has always been hesitant. After all, when it comes to the transportation of oil, safety performance is very critical.

If there is an oil spill, other countries are fine, but if it leaks in the waters of Europe and the United States, it will cost millions of dollars; especially the Yankees, you will pay a sky-high price, and small shipping companies will almost go bankrupt. I can't finish it.

If it is a poor country, hundreds of thousands of dollars may be spent.

Therefore, Lin Zhichao has always been very cautious, working hard to accumulate shipping experience and expand his strength before developing oil tankers.

But this time, Lin Zhichao plans to enter the field of mixed oil and cargo ships and try it on a small scale first.

"Okay, let's take action on the purchase of ships. According to the requirements of the Japanese shipyard, we will purchase six or seven second-hand cargo ships. If they arrive in Japan in May, they will be put into operation in August or September. Manager Feng, you can take someone there. During the European shipping market inspection, if you report anything to me, I may not be able to spare the time to personally participate, so you have a heavy responsibility."

Feng Yongfa quickly said: "No problem, there will be no mistakes."

Lin Zhichao has always been very concerned about the shipping company, even if he is abroad, he will pay attention to it every day, because there is also a branch in the United States, and he can understand the company's dynamics through telegrams or phone calls.

As industry prices fall, Global Shipping can only stabilize the current monthly profit level of US$1.8 million to US$1.9 million by adding ships. Therefore, even if these ships are put into operation, the fleet of Global Shipping will probably reach 50-51 ships, with a deadweight of 500,000-520,000 tons. The profit in the second half of the year will still not increase too much, and can only be maintained at around 1.9 million US dollars.

The important thing is that these cargo ships need to be converted into "mixed oil and cargo", so they cannot be put into operation immediately.

Even so, Lin Zhichao is very satisfied. The newly purchased ship can be rented out for a three-year contract, just in time for the "Suez closure" date, and it can be rented out at a "higher price" with a return of more than two years.

Of course, if the size of the fleet is maintained (over 500,000 tons), the monthly profit next year will decrease. The first is the reduction of rent for non-long-term leases, the second is the reduction of rents for 3+2 lease periods, and the third is the reduction of rents for several The ship's three-year contract expired.

Of course, Lin Zhichao plans to develop second-hand freighters to 600,000 tons in the second half of this year, so he can guarantee that profits will not decline next year.

In the evening, Tang Zhongyuan and Song Qiaoling came to their son-in-law's house with their two sons. For Lin Zhichao, even though Tang Zhongyuan had become a millionaire, he still wanted to have close contact and move around frequently. The reason is not only that Lin Zhichao is his eldest son-in-law and second son-in-law, but also the business connection.

Tang Zhongyuan felt that Lin Zhichao's vision was unparalleled in the world. Even in the field of textiles and garments, he still had a vicious and long-term vision. In recent years, Oriental Garment has become the fastest growing and largest garment factory in Hong Kong. It already has more than 600 workers and has become the most profitable enterprise in the hands of Tang Zhongyuan.

On the contrary, the development of Tang Zhongyuan's Oriental Textile (Cotton Spinning) and Oriental Dyeing Factory is not considered to have made great progress, and can only be ranked among the top five in Hong Kong's textile industry.

Of course, Hong Kong's textile industry is still in its infancy, and Nan Fung Textile has not yet been established. Therefore, it is not yet known who will grow up in the future.

The atmosphere when the two families got together was quite good. After all, Lin Zhichao was also very grateful to Tang Zhongyuan and his wife for their support.

Song Qiaoling couldn't put it down holding her grandson, especially Lin Ruihuan, who was already a 'little adult' at less than four years old. He was quite lovable and liked to tease him, which made him very distressed.

"These little guys have inherited their father's intelligence and their mother's beauty. They are really cute." Song Qiaoling said with a smile.

Lin Ruihuan said in a sweet voice, "But my dad is also very handsome!"

Song Qiaoling was stunned for a moment and looked at her grandson in disbelief. Then she burst into laughter and pinched her grandson's little face.

"I know, you little sycophant!"

Everyone laughed.

Lin Ruihuan felt helpless towards his grandmother, especially the pinching of cheeks, but he was very educated and accepted the 'excessiveness' of his elders.

It can be seen that this child has a really high IQ!

The family was sitting in the living room drinking tea, and Lin Zhichao and Tang Zhongyuan inevitably had to talk about business matters.

"I want to ask my father-in-law's friends or partners in Indonesia to buy women's braids. The more, the better."

Tang Zhongyuan was stunned, and then asked: "What do you want that thing for?"

After all, it was an emerging industry. It was normal for Tang Zhongyuan not to know, so Lin Zhichao explained.

Tang Zhongyuan suddenly realized, and asked curiously: "Is this wig very profitable? Given the scale of your industry, I'm afraid it's too small for you to like it?"

Lin Zhichao said calmly: "The price of a wig produced in France is as high as 1,500 Hong Kong dollars, and the wigs produced in the United States are also over 1,000 Hong Kong dollars. This is the ex-factory price. If we produce them in Hong Kong, the cost price is only 100 Hong Kong dollars, even if we sell one for 500 Hong Kong dollars, The profit is also more than three times. The second is the market. The demand for wigs in Europe and the United States is very high, especially the Beatles culture and street culture are popular in the United States, so the global demand may be hundreds of thousands of wigs every year."

Tang Zhongyuan was dumbfounded. According to Lin Zhichao, this is a market worth hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars.

"It turns out that it is so profitable. If you are the first to introduce industrial wig production in Hong Kong, even if someone imitates you, you can easily earn millions of Hong Kong dollars a year."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Could it be that father-in-law is tempted, or should he also come to share a piece of the pie?"

Tang Zhongyuan immediately shook his head and said: "Although this business is profitable, the threshold is not high, and I am afraid that others will imitate it soon. I am not as energetic as you, nor do I have the strength to be at the top of the industry, so I still focus on developing my textile dyeing. "

Lin Zhichao knew that his father-in-law was very 'professional' and didn't seem to care at all about businesses other than textile dyeing, including real estate. He only wanted to become a giant in Hong Kong's textile dyeing.

This is also a good thing. In the 1970s, Lin Zhichao encouraged him to diversify his investment. After all, the 1950s and 1960s were the most prosperous and critical era for textiles and garments.

"Actually, although this business can make millions of Hong Kong dollars a year, or even several million Hong Kong dollars. But I am not doing it for personal gain. After all, I can make it back with one boat in a year. So if I introduce the industrial production of wigs In Hong Kong, for businessmen who want to join this industry, I will allow them to visit my factory, even if they are sent interns, I will accept them without error."

Tang Zhongyuan said: "Aren't you a philanthropist?"

He did not doubt the authenticity of Lin Zhichao's words. His son-in-law should already be the richest person in Hong Kong, and he might not care about a business worth several million.

Lin Zhichao said: "I am also a profit-seeking businessman. Think about it, father-in-law, if they send people to do internships, I don't have to pay them a salary, there are free workers to use them; and making wigs is no better than making machines. They can't learn anything from me. I will go through other channels, even if I take a detour. The prosperity of Hong Kong’s wig industry is good for everyone.”

Tang Zhongyuan nodded, but he still admired his son-in-law for his integrity. Having said that, most businessmen are thinking about how long they can cover up.

The other women also looked at Lin Zhichao with admiration, probably the hero in their hearts.

In fact, if Lin Zhichao does this, he will also have a very good return-that is, social influence. He established a wig merchant association, and of course he would become the president, and he didn't need to spend energy, but he could gain a kind of social prestige.

In the future, the British court will consider this influence when conferring honors.

The same goes for plastic flowers in the future. Lin Zhichao will be the first to introduce them, and then allow businessmen who want to join this industry to visit the factory. Lin Zhichao established the Plastic Chamber of Commerce and the Plastic Flower Chamber of Commerce, all with his own brand.

Plastic flowers are a little more complicated, and those with good quality and high technology will be more favored overseas.

The hair purchase in Indonesia was introduced by Tang Zhongyuan, while the hair purchase in India was handed over to an Indian businessman in Hong Kong. The raw material reserves in the past few months can also save some money.

The machine will probably arrive in Hong Kong in May, and then it will have to be researched and developed, and mass production will be organized. Once a series is completed, it will be on sale in July or August. By then, we will first enter Europe and then the US market.

However, Lin Zhichao's task is almost completed, and he only needs to pay attention to the progress occasionally. After all, he cannot spend too much energy on this.

"My dear, you seem to be in a bad mood?" Mrs. Bess asked with concern while sorting her husband's clothes.

Shi Zhiyi came back to his senses, tried his best to give his wife a comforting expression, and said, "It's nothing big, don't worry!"

Mrs. Bess said seriously: "You must have something on your mind. As your wife, I want to hear it."

The couple enjoy each other and have a very good relationship. Shi Zhiyi has been working hard for his wife's identity, just to prevent his wife from being discriminated against by others.

Seeing his wife's concerned expression, Shi Zhiyi could only say: "If the war ends, I may be transferred from the Industrial and Commercial Administration and work in other departments. This is a rumor passed down from above."

Mrs. Bess immediately asked with concern: "Is it promotion or demotion?"

Shi Zhiyi shook his head and said: "It's a horizontal transfer, but the position should not be as good as the position in the Industrial and Commercial Administration, so it may actually be a demotion."

Mrs. Bess said: "Why is this? I have such a good relationship with Mrs. Gamulian. Couldn't the Governor of Hong Kong use you more for this reason?"

Shi Zhiyi smiled bitterly and said: "In this regard, you need to speak according to your strength. Especially when I was in the Industrial and Commercial Administration, I encountered various complex problems, including the shortage of raw materials before the war, the trade deficit with Japan, and the industry and commerce were deeply hit. They all had an impact on me. Although I tried my best to do my job, this position did not please both sides. I offended the Americans and said that we were not strict in investigating and punishing them, but I was not appreciated by my superiors and said that Hong Kong's industry and commerce had been severely damaged."

Indeed, your boss doesn't care about the difficulties you encounter. He only knows that the director of the Industrial and Commercial Administration cannot escape the blame for the damage to industry and commerce.

Mrs. Bess understood, and after thinking for a while, she said: "Why don't you talk to Mr. Lin? Maybe he can give you some advice. He is a legendary businessman who has made great achievements in shipping, industry, and real estate. It’s amazing, I must have some ideas, maybe I can help you.”

Shi Zhiyi was suddenly stunned and said with some jealousy: "My dear, you shouldn't admire another man so much. He is not an omnipotent businessman. His vision is only his own career, not the entire Hong Kong industry and commerce."

Mrs. Bess smiled and pecked Shi Zhiyi on the face and said, "My dear, you are actually jealous of a little man. Don't worry. I'm just giving you advice, I don't really appreciate him!"

In fact, Mrs. Bess is very grateful to Lin Zhichao. If it weren't for him, she wouldn't have her current status. Now Mrs. Bess, who holds titles such as philanthropist, hydrologist, and outstanding Anglican church member, has a certain influence in London, not to mention the ladies circle in Hong Kong.

Oxfam has developed very smoothly, and unlike other welfare organizations, it is not very complicated, so it has received unanimous praise at home and abroad.

Shi Zhiyi was a little confused and could only change the topic and said: "Speaking of which, Lin Zhichao helped us, but I never knew his purpose. After all, why did this Oxfam Vice Chairman suddenly fall on your head? And he didn’t ask me for anything, which was really strange.”

Mrs. Bess said with a smile: "Maybe he just wanted to clean up the Zhang family, and you happened to be the head of this department, so you invited me to become the vice chairman. Therefore, it is still your credit."

Shi Zhiyi didn't refute, after all, this was a good opportunity to get a job. But in his heart, he understood that Lin Zhichao didn't have to deal with the Zhang family, because he didn't say any hello. To put it bluntly, he took the initiative to put pressure on the Zhang Yujie family, and his revenge almost affected his wife's charity work.

Hilltop restaurant.

Shi Yizhi and his wife invited Lin Zhichao and Xu Caiying to have dinner together, of course Lin Zhichao would not refuse. After all, the director of the Industrial and Commercial Bureau is still his 'boss'.

After the two parties sat down, the two women chatted about Oxfam, and Shi Yizhi took the initiative to ask Lin Zhichao for advice.

"Mr. Lin, I remember you once said that you planned to produce wigs, and that this industry could create jobs for thousands of people. How is your progress?"

Lin Zhichao knew that Shi Yizhi would not be the director of the Industrial and Commercial Administration for a long time. It was obvious that Shi Yizhi had at least offended the Americans and was not conducive to the future development of Hong Kong's industry and commerce.

Therefore, it is very likely that Shi Zhiyi will be transferred from his post at the end of the year or early next year.

In fact, Lin Zhichao supports the decision of the Hong Kong government.

"I have already passed the US to import some machines. As you know, machine imports now require a lot of procedures, so they should be able to arrive in Hong Kong in May. Next, we have to study technology and craftsmanship. I am afraid that the products will not be available on the market until July or August."

Shi Yizhi immediately said enthusiastically: "I will go to the London Industrial Exhibition at the end of May to support the Hong Kong booth and attend the Queen's coronation. So if you can bring out samples, I can take them to the exhibition."

Even if it is just a sample, Shi Yizhi feels that he can add a lot of glory. If wigs become an industry chain in Hong Kong in the future, he will also have a share of the credit.

Lin Zhichao said: "Okay, then we will take out a few samples as soon as possible and take them to the exhibition. But this time, we will also exhibit products such as zippers and toys."

Shi Zhiyi said with a smile: "Hong Kong's zippers have always been popular around the world, and the Yangtze River zippers are impressive."

At this time, Lin Zhichao understood that Shi Zhiyi might have heard some rumors and wanted to retain his position. It's a pity that he doesn't understand that it's useless to struggle with this kind of thing, even if he has done well in the past few years, but his industry and commerce bureau has offended the United States-the investigation and punishment of smuggling is not effective, and he will not be allowed to continue to serve after the war.

Because Hong Kong products are imported into the United States, the Director of the Industrial and Commercial Department is a very important figure.

However, Lin Zhichao, who was a high-ranking member of the British Hong Kong government, did what he liked, gave some industrial and commercial suggestions, and praised the promising future of Hong Kong's industry.

Shi Zhiyi immediately felt comforted and his mood became much more relaxed.