The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

In the private room of Lu Yu Teahouse, Lin Zhichao and Zhou Xinian were drinking tea. The two had collaborated on real estate together back then, and the result was a win-win situation, so they have kept in touch ever since.

Of course, the real reason for the communication is that Zhou Xinian is the highest political spokesman for the Chinese in Hong Kong - the chief councilor of the two bureaus, while Lin Zhichao is the number one business person among the Chinese in Hong Kong.

"Lin Sheng, the Hong Kong government has approved the establishment of the semi-official organization 'Federation of Hong Kong Industries'. As the number one person in Hong Kong industry, I made an appointment with you today to invite you to become the vice president and member."

As a Hong Kong industrial tycoon, Lin Chi-chao has tens of thousands of workers under his banner, and he is also a leader in the wig and plastic flower industries. Therefore, if this organization did not have Lin Chi-chao, it would be somewhat inconsistent with its name.

Unfortunately, when Lin Zhichao heard about the semi-official organization, he immediately said: "Zhou Sheng, I am definitely not qualified for the position of vice president. How dare I delay Hong Kong's industrial development. But this organization serves Hong Kong's industrial development, and I am happy to join, so if If you invite me to be a member, I will definitely join.”

Zhou Xinian wondered: "Lin Sheng, given your status in the industry, you should be the president of my association."

Lin Zhichao quickly interrupted: "Zhou Sheng, don't be humble! The Federation of Hong Kong Industries serves the entire Hong Kong industry. If the business owners in our industry are the most convinced, you must be the first to be convinced. And I am just a As a private business owner, how can you talk about serving everyone! Serving as a committee member is already a high level, and if you occasionally offer opinions, it is already a good thing."

Seeing this, Zhou Xinian had no choice but to give up!

At the Legislative Council, he proposed that Lin Zhichao be the vice chairman, but the members had no objection. This is because Lin Zhichao has such great influence on Hong Kong industry. The third and fourth industries in Hong Kong were all introduced by Lin Zhichao, and Teach others fearlessly.

"Okay, if you have a busy career and are thoughtful, then become a committee member. It will be formally established in about August, when everyone will sit down to discuss Hong Kong industry."

"OK"

After talking about this matter, Lin Zhichao also raised something.

"Sheng Chow, I think Hong Kong should establish a polytechnic to provide professionals for Hong Kong industry. I wonder if you are interested in raising it in the Legislative Council?"

Universities are not so easy to establish. In his previous life, Li Chaoren's investment in Shantou University was mostly supported by the state; but to establish a new university in Hong Kong, no matter how much money is donated, it is impossible to achieve it.

Because 'university' must be upgraded through 'college', and 'college' is also formed by merging multiple colleges and universities, and is not established out of thin air.

For example, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, established in the 1960s, was initially composed of New Asia College, Chung Chi College, and the United College, which merged five private colleges. Three colleges - New Asia, Chung Chi and United. In 1962, the Fulton Committee, chaired by Lord Fulton, the founding president of the University of Sussex and composed of international scholars, was established to review the standards of the three colleges and determine the quality of the three colleges. Understand the organizational structure of the new university.

It took fifteen years to go from college to university. This was because Hong Kong had a strong desire to have a ‘Chinese University’.

As for the ‘Hong Kong Polytechnic University’, it was even more difficult to have children in its previous life!

In 1937, the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Bei Lu, commissioned the President of the University of Hong Kong, Hronell William, to organize the establishment of the Hong Kong Government Advanced Industrial College. The college's campus is located in Wood Road, Wan Chai District. It is the first government-funded institution in Hong Kong to provide engineering education. The college offers courses in marine radio operation, mechanical engineering and architecture.

In 1947, the Hong Kong Government Advanced Technical College was renamed the Hong Kong Technical College, offering full-time and part-time courses. In 1956, with a donation of NT$1 million from the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and support from the government in terms of funding and land allocation, the construction of the Hung Hom school building officially began and was opened by the Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Grantham in 1957.

In the previous life, in 1965, Dr. Chung Sze-yuan proposed the establishment of a polytechnic in Hong Kong at the Legislative Council meeting of that year. It was not until 1969 that the Polytechnic Planning Committee, chaired by Tang Bingyuan, was established.

It was not until 1972 that the 'Polytechnic' was officially established. After development, it was not until 22 years later that it became eligible to be upgraded to a university.

Lin Zhichao can only promote the 'Hong Kong Polytechnic University' that was born out of such difficulties. His greater role is to donate money to quickly improve the quality of teaching. Ultimately, it can be ten or fifteen years ahead of schedule and provide Hong Kong with a steady stream of resources. Polytechnic University Talents.

Of course, the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong actually have science and engineering majors, but they are not as well-known.

Zhou Xinian was stunned and hesitated for a while before saying: "This is a big matter. After all, the Hong Kong government only accepted the proposal to establish a Chinese university last year, and only this year agreed to fund three academies and use them as the basic academies of the new university. If we bring up the polytechnic at this time, I’m afraid there won’t be sufficient financial resources.”

Lin Zhichao said: "I am willing to sponsor 10 million yuan, and I am also willing to serve as the chairman of the preparatory committee of the Polytechnic University. Zhou Sheng, this is a major event related to the future of Hong Kong's industry. If it is proposed by you and finally passed, then Hong Kong will be better in the future." , who will forget your contribution today!"

This kind of matter, when Lin Chi-chao talks to Robert Pak, will still require approval by the Legislative Council; and the Governor of Hong Kong will generally not reject matters passed by the Legislative Council.

Therefore, talking to Zhou Xinian instead was more direct and more likely to pass quickly.

Zhou Xinian was immediately shocked when he heard that Lin Zhichao was willing to fund 10 million Hong Kong dollars and serve as the chairman of the preparatory committee!

What is the concept of 10 million Hong Kong dollars?

In 1956, the Hong Kong Industrial College received only HK$1 million in donations from charitable organizations, plus the support of the Hong Kong government's investment and land allocation. As for the donations of Hong Kong's wealthy businessmen, if they donate 1 million every year, they can compete for the chairman and prime minister of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk. It is almost rare for a one-time donation of several million to happen.

As for Lin Zhichao being the chairman of the preparatory committee of the Hong Kong Polytechnic, he is certainly qualified. After all, Cheung Kong Industries Group has invented many 'great' products, such as plastic flowers, instant noodles, trolley cases, etc. Even if it was invented by Lin Zhichao's company, then Lin Zhichao is also He can be regarded as a true 'industrialist' and 'industrialist'.

"Then I'll think about it and do some research, and then give you an answer, Lin Sheng!" Zhou Xinian said excitedly.

Just like Lin Zhichao said, if this matter is passed, he will always have a chance to make a name in Hong Kong history in the future.

What's more, with Lin Zhichao's overall leadership, things may really benefit Hong Kong.

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "No problem! I will communicate with Zhou Sheng on this matter for a long time. After all, I think it is a big matter. Hong Kong's industry cannot always be low-level industrial products. If we have talents, we can also do added value in the future Higher industrial products”

Soon, Zhou Xinian was also infected by Lin Zhichao and felt the need to rush for this matter.

In Lin Zhichao's mind, assuming that Zhou Xinian was unreliable and did not advance the process; then when the Hong Kong Polytechnic was established in the 1970s, he would donate huge sums of money to quickly upgrade the teaching quality. He believed that it would be possible to upgrade to the 'Polytechnic University' in the 1980s. '.

In short, Lin will also enter the technology industry in the future, and no matter how much he donates, it will not be considered a loss.

On this day, Lin Zhichao and his wife Tang Caiyun came to "Hollywood Road" in Central, which is Hong Kong's famous "Antique Street".

Hollywood Road is located from Central to Sheung Wan in Hong Kong, running through the Central and Western District of Hong Kong Island. At the foot of Victoria Peak, it starts from Wan Shing Street in the east and ends at Queen's Road West in the west. It can be said to be a "historic street" that gathers the vicissitudes of Hong Kong Island over the past century. Its history can be Dating back to 1844.

Many people in later generations believe that the name of this street is derived from the transliteration of "Hollywood (Hollywood)" in the United States. But this is not the case. The name of this street originally came from the holly trees (Hollywood) that were planted on the street in the early years. There is no Chinese translation, and it is just named "Hollywood Road" based on the pronunciation, which is pronounced as "Hollywood Road". Also known as Holly Street.

At that time, Hollywood in the United States had not even appeared. Hollywood Road was the earliest street built in Hong Kong since the opening of the port. When you see "Jin Jin Xuan" or "Jin Jin Zhai" everywhere, you can tell that you are looking for antiques. street. Antique Street is the first street since the opening of Hong Kong. It is home to shops selling porcelain and jade, jewelry, stone furniture, calligraphy and painting, etc. The division of labor is meticulous and professional.

Lin Zhixiao does not have the idea of ​​'picking up' or 'collecting' antiques. After all, for him, spending energy on researching and collecting antiques is a complete waste of life and time.

The reason why I came here today is because Tang Caiyun wanted to buy some porcelain decorations to display at home.

The two came to Hollywood Road, followed not far behind by a male and female bodyguard, who were actually just carrying bags and working.

"Go in and take a look!"

Lin Zhichao was about to walk towards an antique store with a relatively large and imposing facade. He saw a plaque hanging on the door, which was engraved with 'Weihanshi'.

Tang Caiyun grabbed Lin Zhichao and said hurriedly: "Honey, this is an antique store, I just need to buy a decorated porcelain vase!"

Lin Zhichao stopped and looked back at Tang Caiyun, who was still full of girlishness but also contained the temperament of a young woman. He sighed in his heart - it's great to have a golden finger. After so many years of marriage, Tang Caiyun still looks like a twenty-year-old girl. The only thing What can be distinguished is probably that there is some temperament of a young woman.

"We're not short of money, so let's just do what we see!"

After saying that, Lin Zhichao walked in with Tang Caiyun proudly.

He doesn't understand antiques and has no appreciation of antiques, but he doesn't care if he buys fakes today.

First of all, Tang Caiyun was just buying decorations today, not Lin Zhichao's collection, so even if they were real antiques, they would be displayed as decorations at home.

Secondly, if Lin Zhichao wanted to start a collection, he would have started selling at auctions such as Suseby's and Christie's in the 1970s. His collection experience is that the more expensive the purchase, the more formal the channel, the more valuable the collection, and it also saves energy.

Finally, Lin Zhichao didn't care much about collecting antique calligraphy and paintings. The total wealth of top collectors was estimated to be in the tens of billions. After the 1980s, Lin Zhichao only needed to 'loot' the stock market once to earn this amount easily. . So, why bother making money from hard work!

"You two, where are you buying antiques?" A little old man wearing a traditional gown saw at a glance how extraordinary Lin Zhichao and his wife were, and immediately stepped forward to entertain them.

Lin Zhichao took a look at the little old man. He had a strong accent from the old capital, and coupled with his attire, he thought he must be a dignitary who escaped from the capital back then!

"Buy some porcelain and decorate the room!" He spoke in Cantonese.

The little old man smiled, but he understood it completely, and then said: "I am the owner of the Weihanshi Jinzhai, surnamed Fang. I think you are very valuable, and you want to decorate the room with antiques, right?"

The man is young and handsome, the woman has a beautiful temperament. The important thing is that the man's words and deeds are calm and calm, as if he is not buying an antique, but an inconspicuous item; more importantly, behind the two of them, A man and a woman were also following, their eyes darting around. They were sharp and agile, and at first glance they were bodyguards or followers.

Since Boss Fang knows antiques, he has also developed the ability to read people.

Lin Zhichao said: "My surname is Lin, and this is my wife. We are just businessmen, so just come in and take a look. Boss Fang, does it matter?"

"Of course, just watch!"

After a simple exchange, Lin Zhichao and his wife started shopping in the store. The store was very small and only contained some porcelain.

Boss Fang was waiting beside him, not daring to let his son do it for him, because he couldn't stand how expensive Lin Zhichao was!

"How is it? Do you like anyone?" Lin Zhichao asked.

Tang Caiyun shook her head and said, "I want to buy decorations, but the porcelain here is so small!"

Boss Fang's jaw almost dropped in shock. Love is for buying decorations!

"Lin Sheng, Mrs. Lin, if you want to buy porcelain decorations, there is a shop called 'Qingfeng Building' over there. They sell modern porcelain or high-imitation porcelain."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Don't want that! Wasn't there bigger porcelain in ancient times?"

When Boss Fang heard this, he immediately understood that he had made a mistake. Others just disliked the smallness, rather than buying fakes.

"Sorry! How about we go upstairs and take a look?"

"excuse me!"

Later, Lin Zhichao and his wife went upstairs, and there was indeed another room upstairs.

"What kind of business does Mr. Lin do?"

"I'm Lin Zhichao, and my business is quite complicated!"

After arriving upstairs, Boss Fang invited the couple to drink tea and chat.

Boss Fang was stunned for a moment, then said with a smile: "It turns out to be Lin Sheng. When I asked you why you and your wife are so noble, I was mistaken!"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "I don't dare to take it seriously. You were also a nobleman in the capital before!"

Boss Fang smiled bitterly and said: "I am a native of Beijing whose ancestors were rich. I came to Hong Kong in the late 1940s and happened to have some skills. So begging for food here certainly cannot compare with your fighting spirit."

In his statement, he vaguely mentioned that he is a descendant of a certain royal family. He has been in Hong Kong for more than ten years. He never speaks Cantonese and always speaks slow and clear Mandarin. However, his son speaks Cantonese and the locals. Everyone is the same. He has integrated into this society early, his skin has been tanned to a honey color in the warm subtropical sun, and he calls the shopkeeper Lao Dou.

The reason why Boss Fang said this is simply to retain Lin Zhichao, a big customer. Since it is an antique store, it naturally collects at low prices and sells at high prices, and Lin Zhichao is obviously a better buyer.

At this time, Lin Zhichao couldn't help but feel that it would be good to meet such an "old man". In the future, if the family needs decorations, it will always need some good porcelain.

As for whether it will cheat Lin Zhichao, that is unknown!

But having said that, the antiques bought outside are definitely not kept in a treasure house, but placed in the villa. In the future, I will at least find someone to appraise it before I can truly collect it.

Later, Boss Fang asked his son to bring in pieces of porcelain and introduced them personally.

"The blue and white Ruyi ear vase "made in the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty" costs HKD 68,000! "

"That's it, it's the right size!"

When it came to the second item, Lin Zhichao immediately finalized it.

To be honest, any genuine product in this porcelain shop may increase in value a hundred times in the future.

But so what, Lin Zhichao didn't want to collect from antique stores at all, because he didn't understand, so there was no need to spend energy.

Boss Fang also noticed that Lin Zhichao and his wife did not understand antiques at all, and they all relied on their eyesight.

"Don't worry, Lin Sheng. What came out of my hands must be true!"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Boss Fang is worrying too much! We just want a decoration, so having good connections is the most important. Of course, I believe in Boss Fang's credibility. Wrap it up!"

Boss Fang suddenly had a feeling - a punch hit the cotton. Others didn't care about the authenticity at all, but he wanted to prove it was true.

After Lin Zhichao and his wife left, Boss Fang's son said: "Dad, this is simply a big mistake!"

Boss Fang was so angry that he slapped his son and said, "I think you are the one who took advantage of me!"

The son said aggrievedly: "What did I say wrong, Dad! Lin Zhichao doesn't know anything about antiques, and our collection industry has a rule of not returning the goods after buying them, so what if we sell him a fake?" "

Boss Fang was so angry that he almost hit his son with the antique, and said out of breath: "You are a fool! If others don't understand that antiques are fake, what if one day his friends tell him that they are fake, wouldn't he lose face? Unless you Leave Hong Kong, otherwise won’t others be able to deal with you?”

The son finally felt a little scared and said, "I was just joking! How could you smash your own sign!"

Boss Fang sighed and said, "You can't be greedy. The blue and white Ruyi ear vase was worth 20,000 Hong Kong dollars when we received it."

Regarding his son, he was powerless. He did not learn a few percent of his skills, but instead spent his time on socializing. It was good to have him around. The father and son cooperated tacitly. The son could speak Cantonese, was flexible and was enough to start a fight. But when it comes to being a shopkeeper, you still lack a lot of skills.