The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

It was already mid-January 1973 when Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong from overseas.

This overseas trip is mainly to deal with the matters of ‘Victoria Harbor Investment’:

First of all, the US stock investment worth 720 million US dollars will end the sell-off within 2 months, waiting for the bottom after the oil crisis (1974.5). In fact, Lin Zhichao is not very clear about the specific market, so there may be a slight deviation, but the overall operation is definitely correct; and Victoria Harbor Investment purchased the 'Nifty 50' stocks, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with operating according to the market, because the 'Nifty 50' stock 'It's the market index.

Secondly, Lin Zhichao went to cooperative banks in Switzerland and London to inspect the situation of gold purchasing. Everything went smoothly. Victoria Harbor Investment now has 150 tons of gold in stock, which are in bank vaults in Switzerland, London and Hong Kong. The cost price is US$60. Per ounce (current price is US$65 per ounce), the total consumption is about HK$1.8 billion. These funds are profit dividends from Universal Group, and it just so happens that the profits of this year and a half were not wasted.

Finally, of course Lin Zhichao attended the board of directors of Audrey Company, visited Audrey Company, and communicated with Audrey Hepburn privately to make some arrangements. At present, Audrey Company has become the largest toy manufacturer in the United States with its two toy IPs - Barbie and Transformers, surpassing the rest. In addition, its achievements in the field of electronic games have naturally increased the company's influence. few.

After returning to Hong Kong, Lin Zhichao came to the office of Cheung Kong Holdings Group on his first day.

From the moment Cheung Kong Group went public, its status in Lin Zhichao's heart has slightly surpassed that of Universal Group and Cheung Kong Industries Group.

In the office, although Lin Zhichao came to the company immediately, the senior executives did not report their work immediately. Everyone is used to the fact that the boss is on a business trip for a month at a time, so there is no urgent matter to report.

Tang Caiyun, the director of Cheung Kong, even followed Lin Zhichao when they went abroad this time. Even so, Cheung Kong Group can still operate stably. After all, there is a son Lin Ruihuan in the company as a spiritual symbol.

Sitting in his office, Lin Zhichao was thinking about his personal cash flow.

The total value of gold and stocks invested by Victoria Harbor has reached about 6 billion Hong Kong dollars; if gold is ignored for the time being, a cash flow of 4.2 billion Hong Kong dollars is about to be cashed out.

Victoria Harbor Real Estate's shares are about to be cashed out, with an estimated cash flow of HK$1.0-1.2 billion; plus the remaining funds from the sale of land and properties, as well as rental income, there will be almost HK$200 million; in total, it will be approximately HK$1.3-1.4 billion. cash flow. In addition, starting from this year, Victoria Harbor Real Estate will be able to collect around 150 million in annual rent (3.25 million square feet of nine Grade A office buildings in Central, and other regional properties).

So rich!

"Boss" Lin Shaodong became the first senior executive to report to him.

"Well, let's talk at the conference table!" Lin Zhichao came to the conference table in the office with paper and pen.

Afterwards, the two communicated alone.

These senior executives all know that Lin Zhichao is not only the "spiritual pillar" of the company, but also a "god of management" who is very familiar with the business and good at layout. Therefore, they cherish this kind of individual communication very much, which is very helpful for their work.

"The eight 7~11 convenience stores opened last year have once again achieved success, and each store is now able to maintain profitability. 7~11 convenience stores currently have 23 stores in Hong Kong, while our rival OK convenience store only has 4 stores .7-11 convenience stores have doubled their store openings, which makes OK convenience stores understand that we are showing an attitude toward challengers, and they are opening stores cautiously instead."

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Is our warehouse big enough? Can it store materials for more than half a year?"

Lin Shaodong immediately replied: "No, the warehouse is not big enough. However, we can quickly lease the land under the group and build a warehouse. It can be completed in up to half a year, doubling the capacity."

He didn't know why the boss suddenly wanted to expand the warehouse, but he knew that the boss didn't like the management to just say 'no' without providing a solution.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Then we will do it immediately to double the warehouse. After all, we have also opened one supermarket, and there are plans for two this year. At the same time, I can make clear preparations for increasing the reserve of supplies. Let me tell you—the oil crisis is coming soon, and all supplies will have to rise!”

Lin Shaodong said in surprise: "I didn't expect it to be so powerful! On the 2nd, the six major British and American suppliers that dominate the Hong Kong energy market—Shell, Mobil, Goldman Sachs, Texaco, Peninsula, and Standard—announced that on the grounds of rising international oil prices, Starting from January 3, the selling price of petroleum and related products will be increased, with the overall increase reaching 4.5%."

To be honest, Lin Zhichao was also surprised by this - the situation in the Middle East has been tense since the beginning of this year, and some oil-producing countries have reduced production, causing international oil prices to rise.

He always thought that the oil crisis was an emergency!

Now he understands that the oil crisis may be a cyclical period. Oil prices will rise once or twice before, and then skyrocket once or twice when the war starts in October.

If this trend continues, the overall price of goods in Hong Kong will increase by about 30%, which will result in high living costs for everyone just like the depreciation of the pound.

"There is still time to make plans. Once war breaks out in the Middle East, the cost of living will increase by at least 20 to 30%. We must hurry up to stock up on supplies and reduce costs. If there are not enough warehouses, we can rent them first, but one thing is that there must be no loopholes in warehouse management."

At present, the specific impact of the 4.5% oil price increase will not be so obvious.

Lin Shaodong said: "No problem, I will definitely do a good job in this area. This year our plan is to open eight convenience stores and two supermarkets."

The speed of convenience stores is already fast enough. This is an overall plan based on Hong Kong's economic development. After all, the requirement for opening a convenience store is consumption power. If this trend continues, by the 1980s, there will be about 80 7-11 stores; in the previous life, convenience stores did not appear in Hong Kong until the 1980s. It’s not that the 1970s were unsuitable for business, it’s just that no one had that vision.

As for supermarkets, Lin Zhichao also has a relatively stable store opening plan and cannot rush into it; after all, once Hutchison Whampoa is acquired, the two supermarkets will have to merge.

"How do you think our retail business compares with that of Jardine Matheson Group and Hutchison Group?" Lin Zhichao asked this question.

Lin Shaodong thought for a moment and then said: "Both these two consortiums have a large number of trade and retail talents, and a long history of trade and retail experience. However, we also officially entered the retail industry in 1968, and opened the retail industry with convenience stores'surprise' We have accumulated a lot of channels and experience as a gateway to the field. In the later stage, we strengthened cooperation with Hengchang, Li \u0026 Fung and other traders, and also cooperated with Nissin of Japan to make up for the shortcomings in the supply chain. Now we can The chain has reached the level of rivalry. Overall, 7~11 convenience stores have laid a solid foundation for our retail industry, so currently we are not weaker than the development potential of these two consortiums."

Lin Zhichao said: "Then we will strengthen the development of 7-11 convenience stores. As for supermarkets, we can develop them a little conservatively."

Hong Kong's 7~11 convenience store is definitely the world's most advanced management convenience store model, and its service is no worse than that of Japan (the store clerks were originally trained by mentors in the Japanese retail field). Its biggest feature is convenience. The fast food of Hong Kong 7-11 is no less than that of a restaurant chain. The daily lunch boxes are very popular among white-collar workers. In addition, Hong Kong 7-11 convenience stores will also choose locations according to the location. , the classification of the surrounding people varies in terms of products. For example, if it is opened in a place with a large number of residents, daily necessities such as rice and cooking oil are clearly displayed at the door, while in an office building area, it mainly provides better white-collar services.

Lin Shaodong nodded and said, "Yes, I understand what the boss means." He wrote it down in his notebook.

Everyone has just started to develop supermarkets, so there is no need to make efforts now. 7-11 convenience stores are the cornerstone of the retail industry and need to be more reliable.

Later, Lin Shaodong continued to report: "After Café de Coral's fast food was launched, it has developed very well and is preparing to open a high-end Cantonese restaurant. Jumbo Seafood Restaurant is expected to open in 1975."

Café de Coral Fast Food Group finally raised HK$12.5 million, exceeding Lin Zhichao’s expectations; after the listing, the retail department of Cheung Kong Holdings held 37.5% of the shares, becoming the largest single shareholder.

Lin Yunchu, Lin Zhihao, Lin Zhiyi, and Lin Cai'er, a father-son duo, hold 37.5% of the company's shares. Lin Zhihao holds about 22.5% of the shares and serves as the chairman and general manager of the board of directors; Lin Zhiyi and Lin Cai'er have also joined us. Le Catering Group and became the management of the group.

Lin Zhichao's three cousins ​​all went to college. After all, it was him who sponsored them back then. It was impossible for them not to go to college. It was just that they were not very famous schools.

The three brothers and sisters jointly joined the Café de Coral Restaurant Group, which was the result of the intervention of Lin Zhichao and Lin Yunchu’s uncle and nephew. Lin Zhihao did not have any objections.

"Well, let the three brothers and sisters manage the Café de Coral restaurant group, and we will do our best to supervise it!"

"OK"

The next day, Lin Zhichao came to MacLehose's office in the Hong Kong Government.

Lin Zhichao knew that the Hong Kong government and MacLehose were worried about the stock market recently.

Due to the strong speculation in the stock market, the Hong Kong government is worried that if it collapses, it will cause social unrest and unrest; so on the 11th, MacLehose publicly called on investors not to speculate excessively, and even pointed out directly that the government was really considering intervening in the stock market to curb excessive speculation. Activity.

As soon as MacLehose finished speaking, the Banking Regulatory Office issued a notice and warning, and the fire department also dispatched an order to the exchange to "evacuate the crowd." Under such circumstances, the Hang Seng Index fell 68 points on the 12th to close at 925 points.

However, this kind of intervention immediately received a lot of criticism from the society. After all, everyone was red-eyed.

Li Fuzhao of the Far East Exchange even openly criticized: "If Sir MacLehose likes it, let him run the Far East Stock Exchange. If the exchange is in danger of fire, why don't you come earlier or come later? Why do you take this step at this time?" action?"

Investors believe that the government has used drugs too harshly and implemented them too hastily, which has hindered the market's self-regulation.

"Sir Lin, as a leader of the business community, what do you think of the current situation of the stock market?" As soon as MacLehose met, he quickly explained the reason for looking for Lin Zhichao.

Lin Zhichao didn't hide anything and said directly: "Most citizens don't know what stocks are, so they bring money into the market. According to this situation, the probability of collapse is very high, and it has only happened in the past few months. It will probably serve as a lesson for Hong Kong to become a world financial metropolis!"

Although leeks are available every year, this year is obviously the most abundant!

Now the transaction volume every day is more than 500 million, and the transaction volume in a month is more than 10 billion; last year, the total transaction volume was close to 50 billion, and this year, if this situation continues, it will reach a scale of 100 billion. It is not just local citizens who are speculating, a large amount of overseas capital has also entered the Hong Kong stock market.

MacLehose was stunned. He didn't expect Lin Zhichao to be so direct, so he said: "Can you please make a public appeal? After all, once a collapse occurs, a lot of instability will occur in society, which will affect the real economy."

Lin Zhichao nodded seriously and said: "I will publish an appeal in the newspaper tomorrow. This is my social responsibility!"

MacLehose said: "Sir Lin is a righteous man!"

Lin Zhichao said modestly: "Actually, I also have a lot of investments in the stock market, but I don't value these investments. I prefer the stable development of Hong Kong's economy."

MacLehose nodded. He felt that Lin Zhichao had a very strong sense of social responsibility. After all, since he also had investments, this would be harming his own interests.

In fact, Lin Zhichao really doesn't care much about his billion-dollar wealth in the stock market. Even if the stock market crashes because of his appeal, he won't be too heartbroken. Of course, it is theoretically impossible. He may not be as influential as the Governor of Hong Kong and Sandus, at least in the financial field.

Next, Lin Zhichao also had something to communicate with MacLehose: "Sir MacLehose, I want to promote the upgrade of the Hong Kong Polytechnic to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University as soon as possible. I am willing to provide greater financial support for this, and I hope the Hong Kong government can also provide support. "

MacLehose said: "It's good that Mr. Lin is willing to promote this matter, but Polytechnic University has very high requirements in all aspects. If it is too eager, problems may easily occur. Once there are problems in education, it will be a loss for the entire society."

Lin Zhichao said: "I'm talking about speeding up, not rushing into Hong Kong's electronics industry, which is developing rapidly, but it is just the assembly industry. In this context of rapid technological changes, Hong Kong will also experience industrial upgrading in the future. If it can have technological strength, Then Hong Kong will become a first-class developed city integrating trade, finance, industry, tourism, etc."

MacLehose can be rated as one of the best Hong Kong governors by later generations, which must be his special strength, that is, he can truly consider Hong Kong. Therefore, if he promotes the establishment of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University during his tenure, there will be a lot of polytechnic talents in Hong Kong in the 1980s.

"Okay, I'll take this matter seriously later. Anyway, Sir Lin is willing to help students, which is definitely a good thing."

"Yes, I am a Hong Konger. Of course I hope Hong Kong will be better."

If the board of directors and the school of the Hong Kong Polytechnic dare to promise Lin Chi-chao that it will become the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (upgrade) within five years, then he can provide 200 million in funds for the school's use in five years.

At present, the Hong Kong Polytechnic also offers tertiary courses related to computer electronics, but it is obviously not enough.

Sunday, January 14th.

Lin Zhichao published the news "Lin Zhichao teaches you how to trade stocks" in his own newspaper "Oriental Daily". The content is: Stock trading should pursue value investment and compound interest, rather than blindly chasing high prices.

He analyzed in detail:

Before 1968, Wall Street financial genius Buffett lamented that he could no longer find cheap stocks that met the standards, so he decided to delist. As a result, he just predicted the 1969 stock market crash. The Chinese financial genius Cai Zhiyong pursued non-value stocks, which had a strong sense of speculation, which ultimately led to his complete defeat of Buffett.

Pursue compound interest and look for high-quality stocks with low price-to-earnings ratios and high growth potential, which have a stable rate of return every year. Assuming that the annual rate of return is 20%, you will be able to gain wealth in twenty years.

Lin Zhichao used cases and data as basis to urge everyone not to speculate and choose stocks rationally. He also clearly pointed out that today's Hong Kong stock market is a speculative market, an irrational market, and a fragile stock market, and the price-to-earnings ratios of many stocks are already too high.

For a time, the society was filled with a lot of discussions.

"Even if the king of heaven comes, I will say that the current stock market is just picking up money! These big shots are worried about the world every day, but they don't know that they are full and don't know the hungry!"

"That's right! What is good for everyone? It doesn't mean that we are only allowed to make a fortune and not us."

"However, I'm afraid it will fall a lot again tomorrow, and it's all Lin Zhichao's fault!"

"If it falls tomorrow, I will buy the bottom!"

This is what most people think!

Lin Zhichao had already calculated it, so he did not say anything very direct, but analyzed useful things for everyone.

Therefore, there must be more rational people, but there are just fewer of them.

Lin Zhichao ignored the outside voices. He did this just to fulfill his responsibility as a "Hong Kong industrial and commercial leader". He had long known that in this fanatical atmosphere, someone would shoot up the exchange with a gun. After a day or two, before the blood was dry, the exchange would be bustling again.

Today is the day when the eldest son Lin Ruihuan's girlfriend Luo Huijun comes to visit her home. Lin Zhichao, Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying also warmly entertain others.

Lin Zhichao is still satisfied with this daughter-in-law. This is actually the first time he has met her. As for why he is satisfied?

First of all, there is no problem with family background. You don’t need to be rich or famous, but you must come from a normal family.

Secondly, Luo Huijun is an alumnus of her son Lin Ruihuan, so she is a good match.

Finally, the two have been in love for more than three years, which shows that the relationship is stable, and Lin Zhichao has no reason to disagree.

"Dad, you're in trouble!"

Just as everyone was chatting happily in the living room, Lin Ruijiang walked in from outside, holding a newspaper in his hand and preaching.

Before Lin Zhichao spoke, Tang Caiyun said with a straight face, "I haven't come to see your future sister-in-law yet, why are you making such a fuss! Also, you ran out early in the morning and didn't come back until now. Did you know there are guests today?"

Lin Ruijiang immediately said with a smile: "Sister Jun and I have met before, why should we be so polite!"

Luo Huijun immediately said: "Well, we have had dinner together and have known each other for a long time. We have a good relationship!"

With Luo Huijun speaking out, Tang Caiyun did not pursue Lin Ruijiang's "unreasonable" pursuit - today the whole family was at home waiting for their future eldest daughter-in-law, but this kid drove out at around six in the morning.

Later, Lin Ruijiang picked up the newspaper and said, "Dad, you don't know how crazy the stock investors are now. None of them can stop talking. If you make this statement today, I'm afraid tens of thousands of people will scold you."

Lin Zhichao said angrily: "Did you hear it outside?"

Lin Ruijiang nodded and said, "That's right! I still want to retort for you, but I'm afraid of getting beaten."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "I see you are not afraid of being beaten when you come back!"

At this time, Luo Huijun said: "My uncle's words are very reasonable, and there are always people who will listen to them. Besides, my uncle is a leader of Hong Kong's industrial and commercial community. It is obviously not okay if he does not stand up and appeal."

This girl can still talk. After all, she is a top student and an assistant of Wan Guo Baotong, so she understands these financial matters.

Later, Lin Zhichao said: "You two have been dating for three and a half years, and you can consider getting married. Ruihuan, please sincerely and politely invite Huijun's parents to come to Hong Kong later, and then stay at the Miramar Hotel. You must first obtain their approval." That’s all.”

The two children had never met each other's parents before, but they obviously knew that they were in a relationship.

Lin Ruihuan immediately said seriously: "Yes, father!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Only if you get the approval of Huijun's parents, can our parents sit down and discuss your marriage seriously."

Other parents must also be worried about whether Lin Ruihuan, who comes from a family like this, has the common problems of the rich second generation and will make their daughters sad.

As for the wedding of the two, Lin Zhichao prefers to wait until the Shangri-La Hotel (Burj Al Arab) opens before holding it.

The hotel was capped last year and is expected to be open during the summer vacation of 1974.