The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Time flies and we arrive in 1955 in a blink of an eye.

On the morning of early January, Lin Zhichao woke up from his sleep on time, around six o'clock in the morning; it was already winter in Hong Kong, and most people wanted to miss the warm bed for a while, but Lin Zhichao never missed it.

He will sleep sooner or later, so why sleep too much while alive, so Lin Zhichao's sleep time is 6 to 7 hours a day, and his nap is only fifteen minutes, which is almost just a short nap.

Of course, it can't be said that Lin Zhi has surpassed the days of being 'very clear', it's just that he is more willing to open his eyes. He is not a very strict person and likes to live a luxurious and lustful life.

For example, last month (1954.12), he lived in Switzerland for fifteen days to accompany Audrey Hepburn during the birth of her child. Everything went very smoothly, and Audrey Hepburn gave birth to a son for him, whose Chinese name is Lin Ruidong. Well, after not being directly involved in work for nearly 20 days, he only learned about the company's dynamics through overseas phone calls. Naturally, while watching Audrey Hepburn, he also took the time to read some books. After all, there is not much entertainment in this era. Activity.

Lin Zhichao got up from the bed, and Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying approached him automatically. The two women continued to sleep. They couldn't get up so early.

Stretch your muscles, read a newspaper and then have breakfast with your family.

During the dinner, Lin Zhichao asked about the studies of his eldest son Lin Ruihuan. He had already studied in the first grade of primary school for half a semester, and the school taught in English, so Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun hired a Chinese teacher to make up lessons for him.

Happy education does not exist, and the children of the Lin family must receive elite education.

At the end, Lin Zhichao showed a fatherly expression and asked with concern: "Do you feel that studying is very hard?"

Who knows, Lin Ruihuan said like a young adult: "It's not very hard, but I think dad, you must be very hard in business!"

Lin Zhichao was stunned for a moment, then asked: "How do you know that I have a hard time doing business?"

Lin Ruihuan looked at Tang Caiyun and said seriously: "Mom said you have a hard time doing business. You get up earlier than me every day and go to bed later than me. That must mean you are working harder than me."

Lin Zhichao laughed and said, "It's not necessarily all about business. Like you, I'm also learning. But my learning can be used to make money."

Lin Ruihuan immediately said: "That means making money must be very hard!"

Well, Lin Zhichao could only admit: "Yes. In a few years, when you can come and sit in on company meetings, you will know how hard it is to make money!"

Lin Ruihuan seemed to understand, but said: "Okay"

Although in Lin Zhichao's opinion, Lin Ruihuan has a strict personality and is a 'housekeeping type', this is the kind of son he wants. With the wealth and industry he can create, it would be great if future generations can keep it.

It's okay to say that wealth can be set up as a family trust fund and passed down forever; but as for career, it depends on whether future generations can maintain it.

In the morning, Lin Zhichao came to Qiuyi Building, which is the headquarters of Global Shipping, Yangtze River Industries, and some departments of Yangtze River Industries Group.

"Boss, morning"

"morning"

The staff of Global Shipping greeted their boss one after another, with expressions full of "spirituality". After all, it was time to receive the "year-end bonus" again, and everyone was very motivated.

Currently, Global Shipping has about 3,000 employees, and the overall salary is definitely the highest in Hong Kong, because seafarers’ wages themselves are among the top three in all industries. The average salary level of ordinary seafarers at Global Shipping is already 200 Hong Kong dollars per month, and food and accommodation are included on board.

"Have the Finance Department bring last year's report to my office!" Lin Zhichao said to his assistant Chen Tianan.

"OK"

After a while, Li Zhonghe, the financial manager of Global Shipping, handed him a file bag.

Li Zhonghe knew that his boss would definitely ask for an annual financial report when he returned to Hong Kong. Even if it was too late to prepare a detailed annual financial report, he would at least have to produce an accurate financial report.

In 1954, Global Shipping had a full-year profit of US$25.55 million and a working capital of US$4.38 million. The largest expenditure for the year was, of course, the ordering of eight 56,000-ton oil vessels, with a total deposit of approximately US$16.5 million. .

"How much more will you spend this month than usual?"

"1.82 million Hong Kong dollars"

not much!

The extra expenses are year-end bonuses and year-end benefits, which are just water in the profitability of Global Shipping. Shipping is already relatively profitable.

After reading the financial report, Lin Zhichao went to Global Shipping's 'Global Ship Technology Conference' and communicated with the captains of each ship. However, there are too many ships now, so only the ships with problems will report, and then the headquarters will convey some precautions and each ship will learn from them.

Things communicated by the headquarters are based on feedback from captains and summaries from management and technical staff.

Global Shipping currently has 68 ships, of which 64 are cargo ships (including one new ship) and 4 are oil tankers, with a total load capacity of 710,000 tons. It also has 8 large oil tankers under construction, with a total carrying capacity of 450,000 tons.

Therefore, Global Shipping’s fleet already has a load capacity of 1.16 million tons.

In the afternoon, Lin Zhichao came to the Yangtze River Industrial Park.

"Boss, the two companies you mentioned have been established, and the initial personnel have been mobilized from within the company." Deputy General Manager Wang Liang came to his office immediately and reported on the work situation.

At this time, Wang Liang was already full of admiration in his heart. He knew that the boss would not set up two subsidiaries for no reason. There must be "shocking" products to be developed, such as plastic flowers, plastic dolls, wigs, and zippers. These are products that are not available in Hong Kong, or even in the world. They can fill a gap in the market as soon as they are launched.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Then let's go to a meeting together and announce the direction of our work. Now that there are more subsidiaries, the group must strengthen management and play a greater role."

Wang Liang nodded and said, "Okay."

This is a good thing. The greater the role the group plays, the greater its rights will naturally be. Of course, most of the management and technical personnel of each subsidiary were trained by the original Yangtze Zipper Factory.

Afterwards, Lin Zhichao took the headquarters management of Yangtze River Industrial Group to the new five-story factory that had just been built. This factory is the fourth factory in the Yangtze River Industrial Park. In fact, the current factory buildings in the Yangtze River Industrial Park are very abundant, but Lin Zhichao knew that it would expand very quickly, so he arranged the factory buildings early.

Everyone came to the first newly established company-Yangtze River Food and Beverage Company. This factory is temporarily under the Yangtze River Industrial Group, but will be transferred to the Yangtze River Industrial Group later.

"Boss, Manager Wang," the three initial staff came up to say hello.

Lin Zhishan knew these people, and Wang Liang didn't need to introduce them. He also knew that his boss knew them. Yangtze River Industrial Group has many reserve management and technical personnel, all of whom Lin Zhichao deliberately cultivated.

"Is Chen Ping the general manager?" Lin Zhichao asked, looking at a bespectacled man in his thirties.

Wang Liang immediately said: "No appointment yet!"

Lin Zhichao then said: "Then let's take Chen Ping, and you two will be his assistants."

"Okay, boss!"

Next, everyone sat down around a table.

Lin Zhichao said: "Since we are a beverage and food company, everyone also understands the direction of research. But I like to make things that are not available in the market, which is more conducive to occupying the market. This time, the product we want to develop is 'instant noodles', or It’s called ‘instant noodles’.”

For a moment, everyone was confused.

Chen Ping immediately said: "There is a kind of noodles stall in Hong Kong, which is very popular in the market. Many single workers who work overtime go to this stall to cook noodles and eat them after work. It is cheap and saves time. Is the instant noodles the boss said better than Can this be more comprehensive?"

For such a product, everyone can't think of it at all, which is extremely normal.

Lin Zhichao motioned Chen Ping to record it, and then said:

"The instant noodles I think of are noodles that can be eaten after being brewed with boiling water, or even eaten raw. At the same time, they need to be flavorful, not plain noodles."

"In this way, research and development can be divided into two directions: first, bread; second, seasoning package."

"The research and development of noodles needs to consider the shelf life, so it can be steamed first and then fried. Of course, a small amount of preservatives can be added. Similar to ramen, the noodles are made mechanically, then put into a pan to fry, and then fished out. "

"Bread alone is not enough, you have to adjust the taste well. Seasoning packets have appeared in the world, and you can fully learn from them. One packet of seasoning packets contains salt, MSG and other seasonings, and one packet of seasoning packets can condense the chicken soup and put it into sealed seasonings. Bag."

What he told seemed to be just a superficial theory, but it was these superficial theories that made Momofuku Andeng, the inventor of instant noodles in his previous life, rack his brains and spend several months, or even most of his time.

While recording, Chen Ping was shocked that the boss had such a good idea.

After Lin Zhichao finished speaking, Chen Ping immediately said: "This instant noodles is indeed instant noodles. Once you rinse it with boiling water, it will soften in a short time. Then add the seasoning packet. The taste is definitely better than those at those noodles stalls. The important thing is, The staff in the office building work overtime and don’t need to worry about supper anymore.”

Lin Zhichao said: "So I hope you will go all out and concentrate on research and development of this kind. In terms of machines, you can cooperate with Bourne Machinery in research and development."

There are no professional R\u0026D personnel, but we are all high-level talents. It is not very difficult to research and develop small instant noodles. The important thing is to devote yourself to it.

Chen Ping and others immediately stated that they will definitely do their best to develop it.

Lin Zhichao left the task to his subordinates. Instant noodles have a patented technology, which seems to be called the "instantaneous hot oil drying method." If Yangtze Food and Beverage Company is the first to develop it, in addition to gaining fame, it can also collect some patent fees from Japan.

After leaving the instant noodles R\u0026D room, Lin Zhichao led Wang Liang and others towards another company.

"Boss, you need to sign a confidentiality contract with them and an employment contract for at least three years. This will ensure that this technology will not be leaked." Wang Liang suggested.

"Okay, you just have to arrange it, and pay more attention to the progress."

"OK"

When I came to another subsidiary company, there were only two people inside. The leader was a technical talent named Hong Yunhao. He used to develop zippers and had a very bright mind. This was Lin Zhichao's memory.

"Sit down and let me arrange the tasks!"

With everyone gathered around, Lin Zhichao said again: "What we are going to develop this time is a trolley case. In fact, I have already made a sketch." After saying that, Lin Zhichao took out the briefcase he carried with him and took out the drawings he had already made. .

Lin Zhichao knows how to draw, and he is very good at drawing, because he has learned a lot over the years. Whether it is mechanical drawings or architectural drawings, he is an expert. This has nothing to do with his brain, because he is also working hard to learn.

After Wang Liang, Hong Yunhao and others circulated it, they were suddenly surprised.

Hong Yunhao immediately said: "Is this a suitcase? For example, if I go on a trip, I can put my luggage in this kind of suitcase and save a lot of energy on the way. It is really a good thing."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It can also be called a suitcase, but a trolley case is more appropriate. After all, don't we have suitcases now? It just doesn't have wheels and trolleys."

Wang Liang also expressed his opinion, saying: "Today's suitcases are either rattan boxes, and many are wooden boxes. What material is best for this trolley suitcase? This is a direction that can be studied, such as plastic or resin."

Lin Zhichao said: "Materials are not the focus of research at first. What is important for us is to study the use of this aluminum alloy tie rod and wheels, and then apply for a patent. Remember, this patent must be applied for in the United States, the United Kingdom, etc. , as a global patent.”

"good"

Leaving the sketch to Hong Yunhao and the others, Lin Zhichao led Wang Liang and others to the Yangtze River Toy Factory again.

In addition to establishing two new companies, Yangtze Toy Factory also established a new R\u0026D studio to develop Rubik's Cubes. Hong Kong has no shortage of architectural talents, so it is not difficult to find R\u0026D personnel for this studio.

"Boss, Manager Wang," Ke Yanping greeted quickly when he saw the group's senior management dispatched.

"Well, how is the situation in the toy factory?" Lin Zhichao said casually.

Ke Yanping immediately reported: "The development is very smooth. Last year we produced 150,000 Bierlili and OEM 2.1 million toys. Currently, we are already producing 'Barbie dolls' and the first batch of 100,000 is ready for delivery immediately. Sent to the United States.”

"Yes, it is developing very well, but this is just the beginning."

"yes!"

Afterwards, everyone came to a research and development room with only three employees, including top students from the architecture department and top students from the mechanical department. As long as we are not developing sophisticated high-tech products, Hong Kong has no shortage of talents.

For example, Hong Kong can produce 'transistor' radios, but transistors must be imported from Japan. This is how Hong Kong's electronics industry developed in the previous life. Transistors were imported from Japan, and then radios were produced, with millions of units exported every year. .

Later, Japan discovered that Hong Kong radios had affected Japanese radios, and banned the sale of transistors to Hong Kong. Hong Kong manufacturers turned to importing from European countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States, which still posed a great threat to the Japanese radio industry because they were cheap.

Therefore, the products proposed by Lin Zhichao were developed in Hong Kong with full technical strength. Including the 'instant noodle machine', he can leave it to the Bourne Machinery Factory for production, but the research and development is completely handled by the Yangtze River Industrial Group and Bourne Machinery.

"We need to develop a toy that develops children's intelligence. I call it a 'Rubik's Cube'. This is a sketch of a second-order imitation. You can take a look. The task of this game is to combine 4 cubes on each side of the six sides. With the grid unified in color like this, complete the game by twisting. Start over, just shuffle the colors."

This product seems simple, but it is a bit difficult, because the cubes of the Rubik's Cube must be able to twist 'at will', which involves mechanics and so on. Lin Zhichao dismantled the Rubik's Cube before, but his memory is incomplete. He only knows that there are structures such as bases and screws inside. However, as long as there is a research direction, the Rubik's Cube is not difficult.

What's more, if this thing hadn't been developed by Yangtze Toy Factory, it wouldn't have appeared until 20 years later!

Just develop it slowly!

A research and development engineer said: "The idea of ​​this Rubik's Cube has been perfected. The key now is the internal structure. If you want to switch at will, you will undoubtedly need a lot of research related to mechanics and structure."

Everyone expressed their opinions. Some people thought it was simple, while others thought it seemed simple but was actually complicated.

In the end, Lin Zhichao said: "It's not difficult, it's not important. Important R\u0026D personnel should concentrate on doing R\u0026D work. The company will give you enough logistical support, and you can also learn relevant knowledge while doing R\u0026D. "

"Yes, boss!"

Lin Zhichao nodded, this thing is very research and development, and the number of research and development personnel will gradually increase in the future. Moreover, the second-level Rubik's Cube is followed by the third-level Rubik's Cube. The techniques between the two cannot be used universally. After all, the mechanics are different.

After giving out three products in one breath, Lin Zhichao also breathed a sigh of relief.

This is the second wave of three products, while the first wave of products are wigs, plastic flowers, Bea Lily, and Barbie dolls. The first wave of products have almost all been successful, and only one Barbie doll needs to be tested by the market.

After walking out of the laboratory, Lin Zhichao separated from everyone and came to the Yangtze Plastics Factory, where he happened to meet Tao Derong.

"boss"

"Well, let me hear how the plastic flowers are developing?"

Tao Derong brought Lin Zhichao to the production area, and reported to the work: "At present, the number of workers has increased to more than 300, and the expansion is still continuing. Agents in Europe and the United States have begun to order one after another, and generally speaking, it has become popular. After all, The site area is large and the flow of people is relatively scattered, so the popularity is a little slow.”

It only took more than three weeks for plastic flowers to enter thousands of households in Hong Kong. It can be said that they became popular overnight.

"At the same time, we found out that some female workers were spies planted by others. I just fired them, and there was no other embarrassment. After all, the plastic flower technology is in the hands of our technicians, and they all signed a three-year contract , so the technology will not be leaked out. Businessmen from outside who want to enter this industry can only buy samples for research, and there will be no results in a short time."

After listening to the report, Lin Zhichao said: "Well, in another month, I will let some Shunde businessmen come to the factory for inspection, but the technology will not tell them the details, you just need to grasp the degree. At the same time, you can consider using plastic The flowering process is divided into one for outsiders to take home for production, and then deliver it to us later. In this step, I also plan to take care of my fellow villagers in Shunde, so you can catch up on the work.”

Tao Derong immediately said: "The process the boss mentioned is to wear plastic flowers!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Well, you can evaluate for yourself whether processing outside will save costs and whether it will affect the quality."

Tao Derong said: "At present, it should be very good. It can save costs and will not affect the quality. I will discuss it with my colleagues later."

Lin Zhichao nodded, and said: "There is another advantage of doing this. When overseas manufacturers inspect our factory in the future, they can explain this. In this way, it is equivalent to us supporting many families, so those businessmen will give priority to it. us."

Tao Derong's eyes lit up and he said: "Wonderful! This is also an industry advantage!"

Indeed, overseas businessmen will take this factor into consideration, because Hong Kong has been the target of "humanitarian assistance" in recent years; Western countries believe that competing for popular support in Hong Kong is a heavy blow to different camps. Especially when people on the opposite side go to Hong Kong, this is a very good publicity.

Lin Zhichao originally planned to turn wigs and plastic flowers into a base camp for "Shunde" businessmen.

In the previous life, 55% of the plastic flower industry was done by Chaoshan people. Li Jiacheng also contributed to this. Li Jiacheng and two people also established the "Chaoqiao Plastic Flower Chamber of Commerce", which established the dominance of Chaoshan people in plastic flowers.

Nowadays, Lin Zhichao is a businessman from Shunde, so he naturally gives priority to his fellow Shunde residents. He enjoys a high reputation in the three major chambers of commerce in Shunde—the Chamber of Commerce, the Friendship Association, and Mianyuantang. Some people even suggested that Lin Zhichao should unify the three chambers of commerce. However, Lin Zhichao still rejected this suggestion. He would not spend energy on establishing a chamber of commerce.