The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

In early February, in an 800-square-foot office building in Central, Hong Kong, "UNIQLO Clothing Company" was hung up. This is the parent company of Lin Zhichao's planned clothing brand. Of course, Uniqlo Clothing Company is also affiliated to Cheung Kong Industrial Co., Ltd. and is a subsidiary company.

When the time is right, Lin Zhichao will establish the "Changjiang Industrial Holding Group", which will control all its companies, but not including Global Shipping; in the future, it will use "Changjiang" and "Global" as its signatures to form two major business networks.

"Boss" a few employees greeted one after another.

"Well, the new company has a new atmosphere, everyone should be positive!" Lin Zhichao commented.

"Okay, boss!" Everyone responded energetically.

Immediately, Lin Zhichao held a meeting in the office hall.

"The first thing Uniqlo Clothing Company did was to inquire about the 'crocodile shirt' brand that was confiscated by the Hong Kong government, and then prepared to take over the operation and develop a mid-to-high-end clothing brand. Manager Zhao, you will take the lead in this matter. What's the matter? Report the situation to me."

Although Uniqlo is a clothing parent company, it will not be a brand name for the time being. It will be a famous brand after casual wear becomes popular. Nowadays, shirts, T-shirts, trousers, and leather shoes are the wardrobe of wealthy people in this era, so they naturally have to give priority to development. Appropriate to the era's clothing.

At the same time, Uniqlo Clothing Company can also represent overseas clothing brands in the future to form a clothing group.

"Okay, I'll remember it!" Zhao Mingyi immediately said energetically.

He is a management talent, coupled with his familiarity with the field of ready-made garments, that's why Lin Zhichao took a fancy to him. As for Lin Zhichao's name, he has naturally heard of it, and he is naturally very happy to follow such a pioneering businessman.

"Every position in the company needs to be completed, and design, sales, etc. are all indispensable. This is what I think. If we win the crocodile shirt, we will use high-end fabrics imported from Europe and the United States to make mid-to-high-end clothing - crocodile shirts in Hong Kong. Specializing in the production of shirts, shirts, trousers, leather shoes, belts and other products. We must highlight good quality, good style, good after-sales, high-quality fabrics, high-quality production, and excellent design."

After the lecture, someone asked: "What about after-sales?"

In this era, I have not heard of after-sales!

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Considering that the cuffs and collars of clothes are the most susceptible to wear and tear, in order to adapt to the mentality of Hong Kong people who want to save face and save money, we will launch a collar and cuff replacement service in the store. In the same way, Trousers can also be trimmed and zipper replaced. In short, it is to sincerely serve customers, which is after-sales service.”

Zhao Mingyi's eyes lit up and he immediately said: "This novelty and considerate service can immediately gain the trust of customers and help us open up the market."

Everyone showed admiration. The boss really had many tricks in doing business.

Lin Zhichao looked at this start-up team. Although he knew the limitations of the times and the abilities of these people were not necessarily high, he was willing to carefully train them until their potential was exhausted. Then they would naturally be eliminated or stand still.

To be honest, he is currently working in so many industries that he has a full schedule every day because he is also learning and making progress.

For example, to build this crocodile shirt brand, Lin Zhichao had to get involved from scratch. Although the industry was small, he knew that it represented an entry into the industry.

At present, Lin Zhichao's energy is on shipping, zippers, plastics, clothing, and real estate. If plastics and clothing get on the right track, he can get out soon. Although there are no real estate projects, Lin Zhichao still insists on learning, especially paying attention to the development of European and American architecture, that is, the development of high-rise buildings.

After chatting for a while, Lin Zhichao handed the matter over to Zhao Mingyi. After all, he didn't even know which department the crocodile shirt was in. Only after Zhao Mingyi clarified the information and he needed to take action, he would get involved.

At the Hong Kong dock, Lin Zhichao led the management of Global Shipping to watch the Jinan leave the port and sail towards Tokyo.

Another ship, the Jinshan, also left port two days ago and headed towards Southeast Asia.

Both cargo ships were only loaded with one-third of the cargo, which was about 3,000 tons. This was the cost of entering the industry for the first time.

Fortunately, Lin Zhichao didn't care.

"Boss, we are strengthening our business capabilities and will gradually increase our cargo capacity!" Gao Qiqiang, the business manager of Global Shipping, issued a military order.

He is from Guangdong Province and has been hanging out in Hong Kong for many years. Now that he finally meets his master, he is naturally eager to prove himself.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "It's understandable, after all, everything is difficult at the beginning!"

The senior executives breathed a sigh of relief, and the boss calmed down.

You know, based on the current cargo capacity, it will take at least two and a half to three years for a ship to pay back the money spent on the ship. This is already a reflection of poor management in shipping.

After all, after World War II, the world shipping situation was still very good. What's more, the boat is a second-hand boat!

Lin Zhichao himself understood that shipping relies on opportunity. When the market is good, the price can be tripled or four times. Even in the Peninsula War, it is appropriate to triple the price. Not only the price is doubled, but the business volume is also doubled. times.

Under the best circumstances of the shipping situation, an old ship can earn a new ship a year, which is the maritime money printing machine.

"What do you think is most important in shipping?" Lin Zhichao asked several senior executives.

"Information is the most important!" Everyone said almost at the same time.

This is almost the consensus!

Later, Feng Yongfa said: "The reason why information is the most important is because it is related to maritime safety issues. In severe weather conditions, we must seek shelter as soon as possible."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "So, we need to build our own direct circuit (wireless wave). In the future, ships from all over the world can use this circuit to report various problems encountered in a timely manner, such as accidental delays and unfortunate accidents to sailors. , machine failure, insufficient dock berths and other natural and man-made disasters, the headquarters of Universal Company in Hong Kong can be informed of these situations immediately. Manager Feng, you can handle this matter in detail. First, take out a report and give it to me. "

Lin Zhichao believes that the purpose of this is to analyze various problems encountered, take timely remedial measures, and accumulate experience for future purchases of new ships. If there is a problem with the ship, the company can accurately know the ship's position and dispatch it in time. People fly to the port closest to the ship for processing.

After more than a year of study, although Lin Zhichao is not as good as Lao Xingzun in shipping, he is definitely a good player. After the Jin'an and Jinshan arrived at the port this time, he immediately invited engineers to get into the ship's cabin, go up to the deck, climb the gangway, and carefully observe the structure of the ship and the operation of the machinery, while he followed and studied.

Feng Yongfa immediately said: "Okay, I'll prepare right away!"

Lin Zhichao then said: "Manager Wang, Global Maritime Academy is recruiting another batch of 80 people. The requirements are the same as before."

Wang Dechong, who is in charge of the personnel department, immediately said: "Okay, I will prepare as soon as possible!"

At this time, several managers understood that the boss still wanted to buy a ship. For a moment, they were a little unbelievable. Why is the boss so rich?

Feng Yongfa suggested: "Boss, why not consider the next step of development after operating for a period of time."

He believes that no matter how rich the boss is, it may be the limit to buy two more cargo ships, so it is very important to be safe.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It's okay! Even buying a ship is a matter of May and June. I believe everyone is already familiar with it."

This is also putting pressure.

Sure enough, everyone became more serious, and Lin Zhichao also made up his mind to run around in recent months, and even went to Japan directly to investigate.

After all, it will still be very difficult to operate four 10,000-ton ships. Of course, within three to five months at most, Lin Zhichao will rent out another 2 to 3 captains.

Lin Zhichao came to the Hong Kong Association Building, which did not accept Chinese members. In his previous life, he knew that only in the 1980s, a female political K who married a British man was accepted, that is Deng Lianru, who was trained by the Swire Group.

Of course he didn't come to play for no reason, but someone asked him to come here to meet. The person who made the appointment made him a little confused, because he had no contact with Wheelock Chairman Old Madden.

But since he made an appointment, Lin Zhichao was right. After all, he was also a new Chinese businessman with deep roots in Hong Kong. Could it be that he didn't even dare to eat.

It was this appointment that baffled him a bit.

After explaining the purpose of his visit, the waiter was not embarrassed. It seemed that Old Madden had given him instructions.

After Lin Zhichao came to the restaurant called 'Lanting', he met the owner, Old Madden.

Madden was tall and strong, with a dignified and domineering expression, exactly like a Prussian.

Seeing Lin Zhichao arriving, he didn't even think about standing up.

"Mr. Lin, please sit down!"

Lin Zhichao is also 1.78 meters tall. Standing in front of Old Madden also feels a kind of pressure. Therefore, Old Madden immediately invited Lin Zhichao to sit down.

"I wonder what Chairman Madden is inviting me to do?" Lin Zhichao asked immediately after sitting down.

If we can't reach an agreement, there is no need to drink this coffee.

Madden then said in a boss tone: "I heard that Global Shipping intends to develop shipping and purchased two Liberty ships, but now they can't haul much cargo. So, why not give your two ships to us?" If Defeng manages it, you will earn much more than you currently do.”

Lin Zhichao was already swearing in his heart.

However, he just said calmly: "I'm sorry! I studied shipping, not a rent collector, so I will not agree to Chairman Madden's proposal."

Seeing Lin Zhichao's direct refusal, Madden said in a lecturing tone: "Young man, as you Chinese people often say, there are three risks in sailing and horse racing. If you don't do it right, you will lose your last shirt. And if the Orientals don't get it, Don’t expect to get a share of the ocean shipping industry with the support of Westerners! Look, you Chinese have never had shipping kings. Many of them have disappeared in the dust of history. If so, since you want to learn shipping, you can first hand over the ship to We will manage it, and we will make plans when our wings are full!”

When he learned that Global Shipping was two 10,000-ton cargo ships, Madden also had some experience. In his understanding, most Chinese ships were several hundred tons, and those with a thousand tons were already great ship owners. Even Xu Aizhou's ships were mostly thousands of tons. If they weren't large in number, how could they have such a great reputation?

He also heard that Global Shipping is a newly established shipping company, and Lin Zhichao is a novice in the shipping industry, and he thinks this plan is to support Lin Zhichao.

This kind of cooperation is very normal in shipping, Madden thinks so.

Lin Zhichao disagreed. Even if the ship could not carry a ton of cargo, he would not leave the ship to others to manage. What's more, he was extremely confident and super confident in his shipping career.

"Mr. Madden, no matter what you think of us Chinese shipowners, my opinion is that Global Shipping will surpass Wheelock Shipping within ten years. In my eyes, Wheelock Shipping is not invincible .”

"Ha ha"

Madden laughed wildly, as if he had heard a big joke.

Lin Zhichao also laughed, as if he was laughing at Madden's arrogance and arrogance.

After a long time, Madden stopped laughing, and then said contemptuously: "You are different from the Chinese I have seen. Your ability to brag is incredible."

Lin Zhichao responded: "Since Mr. Madden holds such a prejudice, then I will take my leave."

Afterwards, the two parted ways.

After Lin Zhichao left, Ma Deng sneered and said:

"I thought it was worthy of support, but I didn't expect to be so arrogant. This kind of person will only end up losing his last shirt."

In his opinion, Lin Zhichao's words were simply impossible.

First of all, Asia Shipping, a subsidiary of Wheelock Shipping, is a listed company that purchased a considerable number of ships through fundraising in December 1948.

Secondly, apart from going public and raising funds by itself, shipping has no other funding channels, that is to say, banks do not grant loans to shipping.

In the end, a ship often needs millions of Hong Kong dollars (for old ships), or even tens of millions of Hong Kong dollars (for new ships), which is simply a waste of money.

So Madden didn't even think about Lin Zhichao's bold words and ambitions, let alone take them to heart.

The other side.

After Lin Zhichao returned to the company, he also left behind the unpleasant meeting with Madden today. He has a complete plan for the development of shipping.

Of course, the core part is to obtain the support of HSBC.

If this link is not achieved, he will be in some trouble, and may have to open his own bank to seek broader funding channels.

To gain the trust of HSBC, the most important thing is to let them see the credibility and stability of global shipping.

These need to be implemented slowly!

Uniqlo clothing company bought the trademark rights of the 'Crocodile' brand from the Hong Kong government for 30,000 Hong Kong dollars. Crocodile clothing was founded in 1911 by Germans in Hong Kong. After the war, it was naturally confiscated by the Hong Kong government and has been there ever since. Put this intangible asset in your hands.

Now that someone wants it, the Hong Kong government is naturally willing to sell it. What surprised Lin Zhichao was that the brand was called 'Crocodile', not 'Crocodile Shirt'.

Fortunately, General Manager Zhao Mingyi reacted quickly and said that since the boss said it was called "Crocodile Shirt", he might as well change the name to "Crocodile Shirt" because the name sounded better than "Crocodile Shirt".

Lin Zhichao naturally thought so too!

After getting the brand, Lin Zhichao is not in a hurry to open stores. Before that, he needs to strengthen the founding team, redesign the crocodile trademark, and register it.

At the same time, Crocodile T-shirt’s initial plan is to open two stores, one flagship store each in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It will not open a third store in the next five years at least because Hong Kong’s purchasing power is here.

There was too much preparation required, including fabric selection, shirt proofing, store selection and decoration, service staff training, etc. So Lin Zhichao simply slowed down and planned slowly, not rushing to put the crocodile shirt on the market.

In a blink of an eye, it was another Spring Festival (1950).

At home in Lantian Yayuan, the Lin family was celebrating the Spring Festival. Thinking about how many people were sleeping on the road outside, Lin Zhichao felt that it was lucky that he came ashore.

Of course, you can also think about it differently: Don’t look at these people sleeping on the road now, in a few decades they will be the envy of others; even if it doesn’t go that far, how many will there be in seven, twelve, or sixteen years? People risk their lives to come to this paradise.

So thinking about it this way, Lin Zhichao will not be too sympathetic to the poor in Hong Kong in this era. They at least have hope in this life.

Once industrialization starts in Hong Kong, these people will at least have something to eat!

On the dining table, a sumptuous dinner was served, surrounded by a family of five; including half-year-old Lin Ruihuan, who was also hugged by his grandma and couldn't put it down.

As for the nanny Axia, she has already returned home after receiving the money, which can be regarded as a holiday.

Lin Zhichao picked up the wine glass and said happily: "Here, let me toast you all. I wish my mother will live longer and younger, I wish Caiyun will be more beautiful, I wish Xin'er will get me into a good university, and I wish Ruihuan will grow up healthily."

The three women picked up their own drinks or red wine and looked at Lin Zhichao happily. As the head of the family, everything in the house was created by Lin Zhichao, so naturally their backbone was also Lin Zhichao.

"I wish my son all the best!"

"I wish my husband all wishes come true!"

"I wish my brother all the best!"

"Bang" four cups collided.

Lin Ruihuan watched curiously and danced happily.

After taking a sip of the wine, Lin Zhichao said: "In the new year, there is no problem in living in a single-family house in the middle of the mountain. Although this house is not bad, it is too small. The nanny does not even have a place to live. It is also not soundproof. !”

Lin Xiner blushed, her brother and sister-in-law did that all the time, and sometimes it was too much to torture her.

Tang Caiyun also felt that this was a problem. Her husband had outstanding abilities and liked to torture people. So she is very supportive of buying a house in the middle of the mountain. After all, that little money is nothing to Lin.

"Have property prices fallen?" Tang Caiyun asked curiously.

"It's a drop, it can only be said to be a slight drop, generally in the range of 25 to 35 Hong Kong dollars, and the price of 40 Hong Kong dollars per square meter can no longer be sold."

Compared with the previous life, this price is already much higher.

You know, the selling price on Sifang Street in Taipei in the previous life was only 20 to 25 Hong Kong dollars per square foot (in 1954).

Tang Caiyun nodded and stopped asking. She was now gradually getting involved in the family business, mainly because her husband took the initiative to tell her about things in the company. She did not go to the company, so she understood remotely.

The next day, the Lin family and the Tang family met to go shopping, shopping, and eating. In this era, only Central was truly prosperous, with products from all over the world.

"Brother-in-law, remember to pay for it later and tell me you gave it to me!" Tang Caiying quietly came to Lin Zhichao and said.

The Tang family still lived a very "poor" life, probably because Tang Zhongyuan had a lot of debts, so he developed the habit of learning from others; on the contrary, Lin Zhichao was able to spend money and make money.

"Well, just ask your sister! So, do you want to get married as soon as possible?" Lin Zhichao joked in a low voice.

"What a beautiful idea!" Tang Caiying blushed a little this time, and then walked away gently, leaving Lin Zhichao with a beautiful back.

Naturally, the little actions of the two people could not be hidden from others, and everyone turned a blind eye.