The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

After the trip to Singapore, Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun parted ways, and he came to Japan to order ships.

Lin Zhichao and his party came to Ishikawa Island Harima Heavy Industries and were warmly welcomed by its president Jiro Omura.

In recent years, Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries has significantly increased its shipbuilding capabilities and has become Japan's largest shipyard with rapid development.

This year (1968), they even took the lead in building the 326,000-ton oil tanker "UNIVERSE IRELAND", which was 345.3 meters long and became the first oil tanker over 300,000 tons. Known as ULCC (ULTRA LARGE CRUDE CARRIER, ultra-large tanker), it is said that three such tankers have been ordered. The first one is the "UNIVERSE IRELAND" tanker that has been launched.

Universal Group's profits this year have probably exceeded US$250 million, which is equivalent to repaying the debt of all launched ships (theoretically, there is a lot of money that is not urgent to be repaid). Of course, 10 more VLCCs will be launched one after another next year (1969). These ships are equivalent to "new debt"; however, generally speaking, the money earned next year will be enough to repay the debt of the ships launched that year.

In fact, global shipping has already been achieved - not long after the ship was launched, there was a "revenue scale" without debt, and there was even excess profit in the future. Theoretically, in mid-1971, all debts (a fleet of 19.3 million tons) could be paid off, and the last batch of ships was launched.

Starting in 1973, Lin Zhichao planned to consider reducing the weight of the fleet, of course, only considering signing ships that could not get long-term contracts.

"Mr. Lin, I heard that Nippon Steamship and Yamaguchi Steamship have commissioned you to build a 326,000-ton oil tanker?" Omura Jiro asked Lin Zhichao during his inspection.

Lin Zhichao turned around, looked at Omura Jiro's shrewd eyes, and responded: "Yes!"

Jiro Omura then said: "In fact, they have already built one ULCC each. It seems that they have great trust in the Universal Group led by Mr. Lin and would rather lease your ship than build one more ULCC."

"Haha," Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "They really trust us very much, just like we trust the Japanese shipyards very much. It has always been a pleasure to cooperate with everyone!"

Jiro Omura nodded and said, "What Mr. Lin said is absolutely true!"

For Lin Zhichao, Japanese shipyards did not dare to 'promote themselves', but respected him very much. The reason is simple. Lin Zhichao has a huge customer base in Europe and the United States, and can lease a large number of Japanese-made ships to Westerners. Under the leadership of Lin Zhichao, European shipowners, especially Greek shipowners, were temporarily suppressed.

In fact, the biggest shipping star in the world at this time was Japan; however, Japanese shipping companies basically served their own country, because Japan's economy was developing rapidly, but the country did not have any resources, so it needed a lot of transportation capacity.

As a result, Japan's shipping industry is regarded by the industry as the largest in the world.

But in fact, Hong Kong is the largest shipping volume. The ships launched by Universal Group alone are already 12 million tons, and Dong Haoyun also has a volume of more than 3 million tons. Coupled with the ships of other shipowners, the whole of Hong Kong is probably more than 20 million tons of ships, which is much larger than the merchant ships of the entire Soviet Union.

Of course, some of the ships owned by Hong Kong shipowners are also registered overseas, so there must be a big deviation.

"Chairman Omura, if I build five ULCCs, will your shipyard be able to make it in time?" Lin Zhichao asked seriously.

Japan’s shipbuilding capabilities are so strong that since 1966, half of the tonnage ships launched in the world every year have been built in Japan. This is followed by European countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain, which together do not produce as much as Japan. The total tonnage of ships launched in Japan each year is now about 14 to 15 million tons, and this figure is still growing.

"If there is enough time, we can deliver them all within 20 months at most. We are willing to postpone taking more orders for this batch of orders." Jiro Omura said sincerely.

"That's great! This time I came to Japan, I have already ordered five VLCCs. Adding these five ULCCs, it can be said to be a full harvest." Lin Zhichao said lightly.

Jiro Omura was shocked beyond measure!

There is no "ship king" in the world who is crazy about shipbuilding like Lin Zhichao. In recent years, the shipbuilding scale has been more than 2 million tons every year.

To be honest, many insiders are worried about Lin Zhichao's investment method. Once the Suez Canal is opened, he may be severely hit. For example, if the Suez Canal opens in the first half of next year, Lin Zhichao may not be able to rent out a few of the 20 large ships in his hands, and the value of nearly 500 million US dollars will only depreciate crazily.

As everyone knows, Lin Zhichao knew that the Suez Canal was reopened in 1975! Of course, from 1973.10 to 1974, because the Middle East did not sell European and American oil, oil tanker transportation volume was very low for about a year.

Understanding this information makes Lin Zhichao confident!

Perhaps at this time, shipowners in many countries are afraid to build ships, fearing that Suez will reopen at any time; but Lin Zhichao is building a large number of ships to seize their market and share.

After spending two days at Ishikawashima Harima Heavy Industries, Lin Zhichao signed the shipbuilding contract. In order to reduce Lin Zhichao's burden, Harima Heavy Industries offered to pay only a 20% deposit.

This is the reputation of the world's shipping king!

After all, the main thing needed for shipbuilding is steel, and Japan has no iron ore, so almost all of it is purchased from outside. In the same way, the steel needed for shipbuilding by Harima Heavy Industries must be paid in advance.

Therefore, the lower the down payment, the more concessions they will make.

However, Universal Group is quick to pay, and almost all of the money will be paid soon after the ship is launched, and there will be no default.

Shortly after New Year's Day (1969), the construction of the 'Far East Financial Center Tower AB' in Raffles City officially started, and it was also announced that the construction of the former naval dockyard site had officially begun.

Because it is not a listed company, the amount of investment is still a mystery. Of course, Lin Zhichao would not tell it. The construction investment in the first phase of Raffles City Plaza alone (Tower AB of Far East Financial Center and Shangri-La Hotel) was as high as HK$500 million.

If word spreads, Hong Kong and Kowloon may be shocked!

Including Raffles City in Singapore, the Lin family needs to pay HK$600 million in construction fees.

Fortunately, Lin Zhichao calculated that in the five years from 1967 to 1971, the Yangtze River Industrial Group could contribute 250 million Hong Kong dollars; at the same time, the Yangtze River Industrial Group could also contribute 300 million to 400 million Hong Kong dollars.

Therefore, in theory, no loan is needed and it is sufficient; however, in the next few years, the Hong Kong government should put up for auction a piece of land in the reclamation area of ​​the Central Pier, which is the land of the former Jardine House Building, so Lin Zhichao is also It is inevitable to win.

There is never enough money to spend, so you have to take out a loan.

The scene of the opening ceremony.

As an invited guest, Dai Linzhi said jokingly: "In those days, Sir Lin defeated European, American and Japanese investors for this piece of land. Now it seems that Sir Lin's vision is first-class! Such a huge first-class prosperous land is bound to develop into A landmark area in Hong Kong.”

The expressions of the people around were a little strange, because it was rumored that European, American and Japanese investors were all invited by Lin Zhichao to come to Hong Kong to accompany the bidding. However, since there was no evidence and it was legal and compliant, this was only discussed in private.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Your Excellency, Hong Kong Governor, I am not praising myself. If any investor were to develop the naval dock, they would not be as good as our plan and the amount of investment. You know, in order to invest in this land, I But we almost sold a few of the boats.”

Dai Linzhi nodded, he had to admit what Lin Zhichao said.

In fact, although the Hong Kong government felt that the sale was cheap at this time, all officials recognized Lin Zhichao as an investor to build the naval dock.

The entire Navy Dockyard plan has been released, including the Yangtze River Plaza plan. In 10 to 15 years, the Navy Dockyard will become the core commercial area in Central.

Dai Linzhi asked curiously: "In the entire plan, why was Mr. Lin willing to reserve a plot of land on the east side? Is it because of insufficient funds?"

Everyone became curious. The land reserved by Lin Zhichao was at least 200,000 to 300,000 square feet.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "When the Hong Kong government sold this land, it aimed to revitalize Hong Kong's real estate, which is a good thing. So I think that in addition to building gardens, the vacant land there can also be reserved for future needs. .”

In fact, he plans to negotiate terms with the Hong Kong government in the future. If the subway station is built in the Raffles City shopping mall, he will consider donating a piece of land to the subway company near Wan Chai, and then cooperate with the subway company to convert the previous life. The police building was built into two commercial buildings. If the subway company builds the subway station in the garden, then Lin Zhichao will sell part of the land to the Hong Kong government for use as a police building.

In short, he will not suffer any loss, and the subway station must only be located in his Raffles City area.

Dai Linzhi smiled and said: "That's it!"

At this time, he and government officials did not consider the future value of this land at all. They only know that Lin Zhichao's investment in the naval dockyard is very beneficial to the development of Hong Kong.

Back to Cheung Kong Holdings.

Lin Zhichao had a short meeting with Huang Changhong, Zhou Fuzhao, Hu Zhaoxu, and Liang Guangchang in the office.

Cheung Kong Holdings has already won the operating rights of 7-11 in Hong Kong and Macau, and is currently preparing to open stores.

"This year we will open three 7-11 stores, located in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Manager Liang, please lead the team to complete our own plan as soon as possible. Just because we join a 7-11 convenience store does not mean that we have to follow his example. They have to be exactly the same. On the contrary, we need to have our own set of plans. For example, site selection requirements and store layout.”

Liang Guangchang said while recording: "Okay, we have already entered into this aspect of planning, designing site selection, store layout, product channels. We will make plans for these and show them to you! The retail department has been established and is full of resources. Fighting spirit.”

This is Cheung Kong's true entry into the retail business, so it has established a department, which is temporarily under the management of the commercial real estate department; when the time comes, a separate department will be established.

The commercial department of Cheung Kong Holdings is very strong. It is not just as simple as collecting rent. It also has a core task, which is to establish a cooperative relationship and channels for global brands. For example, taking the initiative to invite a well-known brand to open a branch in Hong Kong and provide good store cooperation. Work like this has become very complicated, so the headquarter staff has climbed to more than 200 people.

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "Very good! When a real estate company develops to a certain level, it will tend to develop in a diversified and complex manner, and can even develop horizontally - such as entering related companies of the real estate company. This is undoubtedly happening in Yangtze River Industry changes, so we must continue to strengthen talent recruitment, and don’t be afraid to support more people. As long as the company continues to develop, Cheung Kong Group will become a multinational enterprise with tens of thousands of employees in the future.”

"Understood, boss!" everyone said confidently.

In fact, Cheung Kong Industries can now be considered a multinational enterprise, and its investment in Sing Tao is not small.

Next, Lin Zhichao explained his understanding of convenience stores: "Our convenience store business hours will be extended from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., and a two-shift working mode will be implemented. Then in terms of layout, there should be hot dogs next to the cashier. , hamburgers, steamed buns and other food are sold, which is really convenient for others. There are 1 or 2 small dining tables in the store, which can be placed at the door of the dining room to place magazines, newspapers, etc. for sale. It also provides public telephones, mail delivery and other services. The convenience store, as the name suggests, is a place convenient for citizens. .Service is particularly important. Everyone knows that we cooperate with Daimaru Department Store and the store clerks they train are worth learning from.”

While Liang Guangchang was writing this down, he thought to himself - the boss is really a business wizard. He has never run a convenience store, but he feels like he is a master of management.

"Okay, I've written it down!"

"Well, we will try to open a store in the first half of this year. Hong Kong's economy is ready for development, and convenience stores are the best time to be born!"

"No problem! We will open a store in Central as soon as possible in May or June. The store has already been booked and it is our own property."

After some discussions, the 7-11 convenience store belonging to the Yangtze River Industrial Group has taken initial shape.

Causeway Bay, Media Group.

Li Ziduo reported a surprising news to Lin Zhichao: "Boss, Yu Puqing, the general manager of Hong Kong Cathay Pacific Institution, suddenly died of a sudden illness!"

Lin Zhichao was stunned, what a coincidence?

Last month, Li Ziduo contacted Zhu Guoliang, the owner of Cathay Pacific Institution in Hong Kong, hoping to acquire Cathay Pacific Institution in Hong Kong. Zhu Guoliang did not refuse directly, but he also did not agree. It seemed that he wanted to struggle again.

But now that Zhu Guoliang's number one assistant suddenly died suddenly, I think Zhu Guoliang has a headache!

"Well, don't contact me yet and let Zhu Guoliang handle it. On your side, first assist me in setting up the 'Jiahe Film Company', mainly to recruit administrative staff. Wait for a while and then explore Zhu Guoliang's tone."

Now that he decided to rope in Zou Wenhuai, he naturally had to dig deep and get even the signboards for him.

Li Ziduo nodded and said: "Okay! Last time we met, it was obvious that Zhu Guoliang was still hesitant to sell. He just thought he could still compete with Shaw Brothers. But now that his general manager Yu Puqing died suddenly, he must Panic, because Yu Puqing is Zou Wenhuai of Cathay Pacific, and his role is very important."

Lin Zhichao thought about it and said, "Well! In this case, when Yu Puqing's matter is over, you can make an appointment with Zhu Guoliang for me, and I will talk to him personally."

It's better to get it done early. As the saying goes, if there are no sycamore trees, how can we attract the golden phoenix?

If he didn't set up the stage first, how could Zou Wenhuai consider joining?

Of course, Lin Zhichao has also made a plan, that is, without Zou Wenhuai's team, he will also vigorously develop the film industry.

Li Ziduo said: "No problem. I believe Zhu Guoliang will seriously consider the boss's intervention. After all, Hong Kong Cathay Pacific has not produced a good movie for a long time, and there is a possibility of going out of business within a year or two."

Lin Zhichao nodded. Hong Kong Cathay Pacific was indeed a sunset asset. In his previous life, he closed the studio directly in 1971 and handed over Yonghua Studio to Golden Harvest. As for the theater chain, it can naturally be disbanded.

The so-called cinema chain is actually composed of cinemas. These cinemas can be the assets of the cinema chain itself, or they can be franchised and handed over to the cinema chain for management.

Just like Cheung Kong Holdings, there are two cinemas, and they are both multiplex cinemas, namely upstairs in Miramar Shopping Center and Xintiandi Shopping Center.

These two cinema chains are the only high-rise cinemas in Hong Kong. The cost is very low, but the business is very good. Because these two shopping malls are popular, citizens can complete one-stop services for eating, drinking and having fun.

Then, Li Ziduo reported again: "Shaw Brothers movies have also changed. I heard from friends that Shao Laoliu introduced his confidante Fang Yihua into Shaw Brothers movies. Anyone who Zou Wenhuai signed must now have Fang Yihua sign again." Get the money. I heard that Zou Wenhuai is very dissatisfied with this!"

God help me!

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Shao Laoliu is really digging his own grave. You continue to communicate with Zou Wenhuai, and we have been waiting for him. Tell him that our investment is very large, and here is what he needs most."

Li Ziduo nodded and said, "No problem! I believe that Zou Wenhuai will definitely switch jobs to us this year."

Lin Zhichao said confidently: "Yes, it's the right time, the right place and the right people! Of course, even without Zou Wenhuai, Golden Harvest Movies can still beat the Shaw Brothers movies. I still have this confidence. But you know who I am. Yes, there is no shortage of talent, and if there is money, we can all make it together.”

Li Ziduo looked at Lin Zhichao with admiring eyes and said: "Yes, the boss spans so many industries, and almost all of them are at the top of the industry. If Zou Wenhuai joins us, it is mainly because we can save some energy and effort. If he does not join us, , I believe the boss can also come up with clever tricks.”

"Haha" Lin Zhichao laughed happily, and then he said: "You should do your best. The media group has just been established, and there are great opportunities for everyone! Moreover, Hong Kong may not be able to trap us, and our business can be expanded infinitely. Just take you I feel that for the comics industry, which is a small industry, my vision is also on the whole of Asia and even the whole world, but it just needs to be developed step by step."

Li Ziduo had no doubt that the boss would not boast without reason, he must have enough ideas.

"Yes, boss, I will work hard!"

Lin Zhichao nodded with satisfaction!

Li Ziduo is like his retainer. After studying abroad, he joined the Yangtze River Toy Factory. At the age of twenty-seven, he already had the dual identity of manager and technician. After several years of training, he became the vice president of a group company at the age of thirty-one.

As long as he doesn't make mistakes in the future, he will be Lin Zhichao's right-hand man, and will also be the tutor-level figure for Lin Zhichao's son in the future.

Lin Zhichao likes to use "retainers" to manage the company. Of course, some subsidiaries with strong professional nature can recruit professional talents from outside. One thing that is very good about a retainer is that he can firmly implement the boss's wishes.

And precisely, Lin Zhichao's meaning is "the wise sayings", which are theoretically correct, because they are all derived from the experience and insights of previous lives, and are the treasures summed up.