The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

After returning to Hong Kong, Lin Zhichao immediately visited various companies. After confirming that everything was developing stably, he began to take a plane to Japan to promote his own cargo ships.

Although the cargo ship has not yet arrived in Hong Kong, we can make contact first and sit back and relax after reaching a preliminary intention.

After arriving in Japan, Lin Zhichao and Gao Qiqiang split up. He went to visit Tatsuro Yamashita, while Gao Qiqiang went to large shipping companies such as Japan Shipping Company to submit the ship's information and make an appointment.

Yamaguchi Steamship Company.

"We have leased all three ships, but the prices are a little more favorable, and we are only willing to sign the lease for three years." After seeing the information handed over by Lin Zhichao, Yamashita Tatsuro flashed with joy, and then returned to the same state.

They are short of merchant ships, and even the whole of Japan is short of merchant ships. If they buy large quantities of second-hand ships from overseas, they will need a lot of foreign exchange; it will be difficult to get all of them approved by the government in a short time.

So, he likes to rent boats.

Lin Zhichao did not give Yamashita Tatsuro all the information on the seven ships. He only gave him a 15,000-ton Victory ship and two 10,000-ton cargo ships.

Because he probably knew the freight business volume of Yamaguchi Steamship, he was worried that he would give him too much information, so he would use it to blackmail him into bargaining; at the same time, Lin Zhichao did not want too many major customers to be concentrated, and Global Shipping needed another major customer. , maintain at least two major customers in Japan to avoid being manipulated.

Lin Zhichao said cheerfully this time: "There is no problem with signing the contract for three years. I believe that the prospect of shipping will last for a long time. As for the price, to be honest, the price of second-hand ships in Europe has generally increased by more than 20%. But President Yamashita helped me If I'm very busy, how about signing him for $2.9 million a year?"

If you sign for three years, at worst, after three years, you can sign for another two years at a cheaper price.

In short, he would never let his ship have a long-term contract in mid-1956, because then he would suffer heavy losses!

Tatsuro Yamashita was overjoyed. For the same tonnage, the contract was shortened by two years, and the price was saved by US$100,000 per year.

Sure enough, this young man was cheerful enough and the favor he received last time was worth it (in fact, he got more than this benefit).

With the shrewdness of a Japanese businessman, Yamashita Tatsuro once again waved his dragon-slaying knife and said: "How about 2.8 million US dollars a year? Your other two 10,000-ton cargo ships are a little older."

Older ships mean cheaper rentals, that’s true.

But in fact, the price range is not that big.

Lin Zhichao readily offered a compromise plan: "In this case, if I am more sincere, the price is still 2.9 million US dollars a year, but we can accept payment of 30% in Japanese yen and 70% in US dollars. In this way, I believe that Yamaguchi Steam Turbine will definitely You can see our sincerity.”

He accepted Japanese yen because Japan's repair shops are now good and can repair warships. Global Shipping has 12 cargo ships of around 10,000 tons, and many old ships. Situations may inevitably occur throughout the year.

When Japan can build ships in the future, global shipping can increase the proportion of Japanese yen payments; importantly, the Japanese yen is very valuable and is currently pegged to the US dollar (1 US dollar equals 360 yen). Around the 1970s, the Japanese yen began to appreciate. , we should insist on settlement in Japanese yen.

Yamashita Tatsuro was indeed happy. If he paid 30% in yen, it would be equivalent to reducing foreign exchange expenditure by 870,000 US dollars a year, which was a good thing for the company.

"It's settled! When your ship arrives in Hong Kong, we will officially sign the contract."

"OK"

Later, Lin Zhichao and Gao Qiqiang went to the Japanese Shipping Company to discuss cooperation.

Due to high freight rates and a large amount of cargo waiting to be shipped, Japanese shipping companies also attached great importance to this and finally decided to charter all four freighters of Global Shipping at one go.

However, they are more cautious and are only willing to sign a three-year contract with a rental fee of US$3 million per year (total load capacity of 36,000 tons).

Lin Zhichao still chose to agree!

The ship price has soared this time, and the freight is not very affordable due to long-term charter.

The annual rent for the seven ships is only 5.9 million US dollars, and the theoretical profit is more than 4 million (depending on the ship's maintenance status), which is equivalent to taking just over a year (14 months) to recover the capital.

Although it seems to be a bit of a loss, after all, many shipping companies can now make back an old ship in less than a year.

In reality, this is not the case. A three-year contract can maintain the same profit every year without being affected by market fluctuations. In the end, it may not be much different from a one-way short-term rental. After all, Lin Zhichao signed a long-term contract at the peak of the market, which is obviously very beneficial.

The important thing is to establish a kind of trust with Japanese business, which is beneficial to later business development.

After returning to Hong Kong.

Lin Zhichao reported the recent development of global shipping to Sandus.

At present, although Lin Zhichao is not worried that HSBC will not borrow money (it has already been borrowed), he is worried that HSBC will suddenly collect the debt; in that case, Lin Zhichao will fall short.

Of course, this kind of thing does not exist in theory, but Lin Zhichao needs to let Sandus firmly support him.

After hearing this, Sandus marveled at Lin Zhichao's boldness and took a loan of US$3 million to purchase seven cargo ships worth US$4.5 million.

"After you formally sign the contract with Yamaguchi Steamship and Nippon Steam Navigation Company, you must notify me. To be honest, I don't really feel relieved until I see the contract."

Don't blame him for being nervous. In the eyes of bankers, a boat cannot be regarded as an 'asset', at least it would be difficult for you to use it as a mortgage.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Once the ship arrives in Hong Kong, I will go to Japan to formally sign the contract. Japan has a large number of goods waiting to be shipped overseas, and they are also eager to use the ship."

Sandas did not let down his vigilance because of Lin Zhichao's analysis.

But since Lin Zhichao had already bought the boat, he would naturally not interfere.

Sandus then said with a smile: "Many people now believe that leasing ships for smuggling from China is the most profitable thing in the Far East. Only you can see it best. Japan's demand for shipping is also a huge market. Hong Kong There are also shipowners who rent their ships to Japanese merchants, but they are all one-way short-term rentals. Although the price is high, the business may inevitably be sluggish. After all, you have avoided the risks of shipping, I admire you!"

As if he had discovered a jade in the rough, he gradually admired Lin Zhichao's shipping management methods. Sanders believes that if Lin Zhichao develops as he is now, he will still be able to become the world's shipping king like Olasses in the future.

HSBC's support for global shipping can also benefit a lot.

Lin Zhichao said modestly: "I have also tried every means to consider stability in order to gain the trust of the bank. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to develop rapidly if I rely solely on my own funds."

Sandus nodded! It is precisely because of such difficulties that this young man came up with a good idea, just like Lin Zhichao when he bought real estate, he also came up with installment stratification because of financial problems.

The two chatted for a while, and then Lin Zhichao left. As long as Sandas guarantees him, the global shipping will be worry-free.

As long as the contract is officially settled, Global Shipping's monthly profits can repay the loan and balance payment.

Saturday, January 27, 1951.

On this day, the weather in Hong Kong cleared up and the sea was boundless with blue waves.

A Victory Ship docked in Victoria Harbor, as majestic and unyielding as a warship. In fact, when the Victory Wheel was produced, it had artillery and other weapons and equipment and had certain defensive capabilities. So it makes sense to say it is a warship.

The Victory Ship has a load capacity of 15,000 tons, and the entire hull is quite huge. It looks even smaller when standing on it. The deck area is quite large and equipped with several crane devices. The large merchant ships of this era were equipped with self-equipped lifting poles on the deck. Unlike the later container era, the lifting devices were basically docked at the dock.

Today is a good day. Lin Zhichao will marry Xu Caiying, the daughter of the Xu family. He will move the wedding to the Victory Wheel.

So as soon as the Victory Wheel entered Hong Kong, it was immediately arranged. It took two days to finally set up the wedding venue and luncheon venue, and invited more than 300 people to the venue.

Dinner will also be held at the Hong Kong Hotel (Pedter Street), and the wedding will be very grand.

Because it was a 'bungalow', it was held on the scale of the main room. This time the size was even larger. Of course, this was due to Lin Zhichao's increased status.

For example, for this wedding, Lin Zhichao tentatively sent an invitation to Hong Kong Governor Ge Lianghong and his wife, and they have already received a response. As for Sir Robert Ho Tung, because of his old age, he sent his children to attend.

At 10:30 in the morning, guests arrived one after another, and Lin Zhichao, Xu Caiying and his wife, their parents, adoptive parents, and the main wife Tang Caiyun greeted them at the entrance.

"Mr. Xu, Xu Sheng, welcome!" Lin Zhichao welcomed Xu Aizhou and his third son Xu Shixun.

Xu Aizhou inquired about the victory wheel for a while, and then said: "This wedding is very innovative. It really makes everyone feel ashamed that you have such strength. It really is the waves behind the Yangtze River that push the waves ahead!"

Victory Wheel! Apart from government-owned enterprises, the Chinese have never heard of private individuals owning such a large ship.

Now there are rumors in the Hong Kong business community that Lin Zhichao has received support from HSBC Bank and is even more prosperous.

"You are serious, please come this way!"

"good!"

Soon, Chinese relatives, friends, and partners arrived one after another. Everyone lamented Lin Zhichao's strong strength. Now that he has received a loan from HSBC, it is even more amazing.

Of course, no one in Hong Kong except HSBC knows how many ships Lin Zhichao has; one thing is certain, that is, relying on Lin Zhichao to recruit hundreds of seamen, some people speculate that Lin Zhichao has a fleet of about 50,000 tons.

Even so, this strength is second only to Xu Aizhou's fleet, not to mention that Lin Zhichao is only in his twenties and has the support of a bank.

"The Governor is here!"

I don't know who shouted, and found that Grantham and his wife were on the Hong Kong government's yacht, approaching the Victory. At this time, everyone also discovered a problem. The Hong Kong government's yacht looked a bit small under the victory wheel.

Fortunately, one is selling goods and the other is a yacht.

After a while, Grantham, surrounded by several foreigners, boarded the deck.

"Welcome Governor Ge Gang and Mrs. Ge Mulian!" Lin Zhichao greeted him very gentlemanly.

Grantham and his wife looked at Lin Zhichao and his wife, and then Grantham said with a smile: "The wedding is very innovative! I heard that you own many 10,000-ton ships. It seems to be true."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "There are indeed a few ships. Thanks to the support of HSBC, these ships are currently repaying their loans. Fortunately, these ships are all leased to Japanese shipping companies on a long-term basis, so there is no problem in repaying the loans."

There are many meanings in what he said. First, he is grateful for the support of HSBC, which is equivalent to moving closer to the Hong Kong government; second, he has long-term leased the ship to a Japanese customer and will not participate in smuggling.

"I see! But if you can get a loan from HSBC, it must be because your business is very good. I understand that it is difficult for shipping to get a bank loan."

"Governor Ge thanks you for the reward, please come here!"

At this time, the Chinese people lamented the deep relationship between Lin Zhichao and the Hong Kong government. Even the governor and his wife attended the wedding.

As everyone knows, Ge Lianghong was also a little surprised when he received Lin Zhichao's invitation.

Although he had paid attention to Lin Zhichao, he rarely interacted with him, so he was not familiar with him.

However, after receiving the invitation, he immediately asked his secretary to give him all the information on Lin Zhichao. This knowledge shocked him.

The twenty-three-year-old self-made business tycoon, real estate tycoon, industrial tycoon, and shipping tycoon has achieved remarkable results. Especially in the recent shipping business, more than 200 seafarers (actually more than 300) have been recruited. With loans from HSBC, it is said that it has more than five large cargo ships of 10,000 tons.

He immediately decided to win over such a business elite.

In fact, Grantham and Grantham are the kind of Hong Kong governor and his wife who love money. They not only represent the plutocrats in Hong Kong, they are also said to have participated in smuggling in their previous lives.

Next it’s time for the wedding ceremony, this time it’s a Western-style wedding.

"Ehuang Nvying, Lin Sheng is bringing a good harvest for both career and family!"

"That's right! In a few years, I'm afraid Lin Sheng will become our Chinese business leader!"

People around him were in disbelief.

After thinking about it, I have to admit that the Victory Ship under their feet alone is said to be worth four to five million Hong Kong dollars, and it is rumored that Lin Zhichao owns four or five large cargo ships of 10,000 tons. With the support of HSBC, the future is limitless.

Under the auspices of the priest, the wedding scene was very romantic. Lin Zhichao looked at the charming Xu Caiying and felt very proud. This life was worth it.

Then the main meal started, using the Western style, because it was Chinese food in the evening.

During the dinner, Ge Lianghong asked Sanda Shi: "How many ships does Global Shipping have? How much tonnage?"

He knew that Sandus was an executive of HSBC Bank, so he planned to understand Lin Zhichao's specific strength.

Sandashi kept an eye on it because he was a businessman, not a political K.P.

"There were five ships in the front, and now we have bought this Victory ship, which already has a load capacity of more than 60,000 tons."

Grantham, Ge Mulian and their assistants were all in disbelief, mainly because Lin Zhichao was too young.

Next, Grantham learned about other situations and found that the Hong Kong government's information had underestimated Lin Zhichao, a potential businessman.

Ge Mulian asked: "Then did his fleet transport goods to the other side?"

Sandus glanced at the Governor's wife and didn't know why he asked. Then he shook his head and said: "If this young man does this, he will not get a loan from HSBC because we think there is a risk. On the contrary, he will get a big loan from HSBC." Most of the ships are leased to Japanese merchants on a long-term basis, so we don’t have to worry about repaying the loans.”

Ge Lianghong understood, nodded and said, "Sure enough, he is very shrewd. He knows how to gain the banker's trust first."

He was also thinking whether he should have more contact with Lin Zhichao. This young businessman had a simple background and was exactly what he needed to lead the British Empire. Moreover, Lin Zhichao did not have any honors yet. He should be encouraged to do more charity and then strive for it. The title of Justice of the Peace for the past two years.

Late that night, after the wedding, the Lin family finally moved into the three-storey bungalow on Conduit Road.

The third floor of the bungalow houses the bedrooms of Wu Wenying, Lin Zhichao, Tang Caiyun, and Xu Caiying, as well as a living room and study room;

The second floor of the bungalow is the living area for Lin Xiner, Lin Ruihuan and their future children, as well as a living room and study room;

On the first floor of the bungalow, there is a restaurant, etc., and a room for a live-in nanny.

Overall, the space is quite large. Although it is said to be a bungalow, it actually covers an area similar to that of a villa and has an independent yard.

"Husband, I am so happy today!" Xu Caiying said affectionately.

At today's wedding, she received a lot of blessings. Even Tang Caiyun doted on her, the second sister, without any hint of jealousy.

Lin Zhichao hugged her and said, "Just be happy! Life is like this, and it will get better and better in the future. I will take you to the United States for vacation after a while."

Every year, you still need to arrange two vacations, and you can earn money slowly.

Rich people in this era do not call themselves traveling, but call themselves sojourners. Many of them like to live in Europe and the United States for a period of time before returning to live in Hong Kong. Of course, this kind of family is generally a wealthy family, at least after the children grow up and pass on the family.

"Well. Then should I serve my husband and rest now?" Xu Caiying said mischievously with a wink.

Lin Zhichao asked: "Are you sure you can eat it alone?"

Xu Caiying immediately gave Lin Zhichao a pink punch, and then said: "I can't eat tonight, so I have to hold on, and I have to win once."

Then, she squatted down directly, planning to start the battle first and consume Lin Zhichao's energy.

tear!

The next morning, Xu Caiying happily served tea to Wu Wenying.

Then, she said to Tang Caiyun: "Sister, it's your turn, I have to offer you tea too!"

Tang Caiyun held up her five-month pregnant belly and said with a smile: "What are you talking about? I'm not an elder, and you are not a concubine. What kind of tea do you want to serve?"

The two sisters laughed and joked, and they were really in love with each other.

Seeing this scene, Wu Wenying and Lin Zhichao were naturally very happy.

Although Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying are not biological sisters, they are better than biological sisters. As the saying goes, everything is prosperous when the family is in harmony. Lin Zhichao has them taking care of things at the back, and he can fight in the mall with more confidence.

While eating breakfast, Lin Zhichao said: "The Spring Festival is only a week away. If you want to buy anything, hurry up and buy it. Our family's living conditions have improved, and we don't need to think too much about spending money in the future."

"Well, there are several of us women running the house, so don't worry, my son. As a mother, I am not an old lady. I know that my daughters-in-law love beauty and I will not interfere with your expenses." Wu Wenying said proactively.

She fully supports her son's idea and is determined not to be a bad mother-in-law. After all, she never dreamed of marrying two such beautiful wives.

Lin Zhichao, on the other hand, does not believe in being too frugal unless he needs to establish a personal profile in the future.

Tang Caiyun and other women have also been shocked by Lin Zhichao's handiwork recently. There are 12 10,000-ton cargo ships with a total value of 8 million US dollars, equivalent to nearly 50 million Hong Kong dollars. Although the debt was only 5 million US dollars, as Lin Zhichao said, it was earned back in less than a year.

By this time, Lin Zhichao had already distanced himself from other wealthy people in Hong Kong, and he still had to do everything possible to rely on HSBC.

At present, Xu Aizhou's fleet is only 50,000 to 100,000 tons. It looks like there are many ships, but in fact they are all cargo ships with a load capacity of 1,000 to 5,000 tons.

In fact, in terms of the tonnage of Chinese privately owned cargo ships, Lin Zhichao is already No. 1, and he is a veritable "Chinese Ship King".

This has something to do with his bold style and his courage to borrow nearly 5 million US dollars in total.