The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Monday.

In the morning, Sandus, the project manager of HSBC Bank, came to Global Shipping and met with Lin Zhichao. The two chatted in the office.

Sandus has been appointed as the manager of the project department at the beginning of the year, and the project department is the loan department. Normally visiting factories is a more important thing to examine which industries are worthy of loans.

Lin Zhichao did not apply for a loan, but Sandus took the initiative to visit him. In Sandus' view, Lin Zhichao had very high business attainments. He liked chatting with Lin Zhichao and got some information from him.

After Chen Tianan made a cup of tea for the two of them, he exited the office.

"Global Shipping has no plans to purchase ships recently? Or have you used your own funds to purchase many ships?" Sandus asked with a smile.

As soon as he took office as the project manager, he stopped the loan, which made him a little anxious. After all, Lin Zhichao had a good reputation, so he didn't have to worry about not being able to repay the loan. Lin Zhichao not only has a good reputation, but also has strong strength - in addition to shipping, he also has industry and real estate, so it is safer than lending to Ho Tung before.

Lin Zhichao said unhurriedly: "I have just purchased four second-hand oil tankers. Now I plan to go to the United States in person to promote the major American oil companies. This is the first time I buy a ship this year. After all, Global Shipping's second-hand cargo ships have been That's enough."

Sandus was suddenly stunned and sighed in his heart that this person was really developing very fast, step by step.

Then, he said: "So you can't use the loan?"

Lin Zhichao laughed and said: "How can a banker come to sell loans door-to-door and let others know that HSBC has changed its identity and opened a flood of water?"

Sandus said seriously: "Lending you a loan is like putting money in a safe, so why not go door-to-door to sell loans?"

In the past year, bank loans have increased rapidly. Currently, all banks in Hong Kong have 3.7 billion Hong Kong dollars, and HSBC accounts for at least half of it. Although there are mostly Chinese in Hong Kong, the Chinese trust HSBC more. Even though HSBC suffered heavy losses in World War II, it admitted that it was forced by Japan to sign a batch of Hong Kong dollar issuances.

Lin Zhichao thought about it and felt that the loan was not needed for the time being, but he had to maintain his friendship with Sandas and HSBC, otherwise the previous work would be in vain.

So, he said: "Mr. Sandus, how do you think I am doing in shipping? Does it make you confident?"

Sandas nodded seriously, and said: "You are the best businessman I have ever seen. The long-term contract you signed with Japan in the early days has brought great benefits in the past two years. Others are now renting one-way short-term The price is not as good as the long-term contract in your hand. Global shipping attaches great importance to the quality of seafarers, and has created a team of excellent seafarers comparable to those in Europe and the United States, but the cost of personnel is very low. Therefore, global shipping is very competitive!"

He made no secret of his admiration for Lin Zhichao. Indeed, Lin Zhichao maximized the interests of shipping.

Lin Zhichao said in a circular manner: "Does Mr. Sanders have a certain understanding of the oil tankers in transit? Or, do you have your own views on the growth of oil's contribution to the development of the world economy?"

Sandashi knew that Lin Zhichao would not 'preach' for no reason. He must be trying to convince himself of 'something', because this was Lin Zhichao's usual strategy.

"The contribution of oil to the economy is unquestionable, and the world's demand for oil is increasing, especially in Europe and the United States (Britain and France do not produce oil yet), so I think you are saying that the world's shipping needs more and more oil tankers. Come bigger!"

Lin Zhichao nodded with a smile, and continued: "This time I inspected the Hamburg shipyard in Germany and found that they are building a 56,000-ton large oil tanker, so I predict that oil tankers will develop in a general direction."

Sang Da Shi was also attracted by Lin Zhichao's topic, and he understood clearly during the two people's questions and answers.

Then, Sandus asked: "So, you want to build a large oil tanker and need a huge loan. Are you planning a loan of 10 million US dollars?"

If it is 10 million US dollars, Sandus thinks there is no problem. It seems high, but in fact it is not a problem for Global Shipping.

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said seriously: "I want to build six 56,000-ton oil tankers. To be honest, I have calculated the profits of global shipping in the next two years, which is more than enough. But I like to cooperate with HSBC to jointly establish a shipping company , we will hold 60% of the shares and you will hold 40% of the shares, and we will invest in the shipping industry together to purchase these six oil tankers."

Sandus was stunned by Lin Zhichao's plan, six oil tankers, worth nearly 45 million US dollars.

Lin Zhichao is very interested!

When Suez was closed for a year in 1956, the world's demand for ships was extremely hungry, and hundreds of thousands of tons were pledged, which was just a drop in the bucket. So, why not bring HSBC to make a fortune? After all, only HSBC is qualified to be his partner.

"A 40% investment would cost 18 million US dollars!"

“The down payment is only 35%, and you can make money upon delivery.”

"It takes at least five years for a new oil tanker to pay back its investment, right?"

"But the oil tanker itself is relatively stable. The value of a five-year-old oil tanker is still 70% to 80%. Moreover, since the end of the peninsula campaign, it is difficult for the world to break out large-scale wars. Shipping will usher in at least 20 years of glory."

After some communication, Sanders smiled wryly and said: "This plan is a bit crazy. There may be many opponents in the senior management of HSBC Bank. Even I need to think carefully about it."

Lin Zhichao said: "It doesn't matter, I'm waiting for your reply."

Although cooperation is not possible this time, HSBC will also take the initiative to seek cooperation after the Suez crisis.

Of course, if this cooperation is reached, HSBC will laugh to death in 1956.

In the morning, Lin Zhichao convened a meeting of the top management.

At the meeting, he said: "This time, the four second-hand cargo ships will be rented out for a two-year lease as much as possible. The maximum lease period is two years or one year. Manager Gao, go sell it to Japanese customers!"

Gao Qiqiang nodded quickly and said, "Okay! The price is very flat now, and we are still competitive in Japan."

Global Shipping not only has long-term leases to Japan, but has also opened fixed routes to Europe and the Americas, becoming an enterprise with diversified business development.

He did not completely follow the path of his previous life, Bao Yugang. Lin Zhichao was more ambitious. In the future, oil tankers and container ships will go hand in hand. Long-term leases must control the lease time.

Then, Lin Zhichao said: "Deputy General Manager Feng went to the United States with me to promote four oil tankers and get to know the customers!"

Feng Yongfa said: "Okay, let me go first and familiarize you with it."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, I still have a week to arrive in the United States. You can look at the arrangements!"

"OK"

From the beginning, Lin Zhichao personally completed all the social interactions with customers. After a long time, those old customers also recognized Lin Zhichao's staff, such as several large customers in Japan.

In this way, Lin Zhichao only needs to lay a good foundation, and he will not have to do it himself every time later. Unlike others, he only has one industry and can be focused.

The promotion of oil tankers this time is a very important matter, because it is to promote to large American oil companies, and both parties need to establish a stable basis for cooperation. It can even be said that in order to be absolutely sure, Lin Zhichao would personally supervise and direct the first transportation mission to ensure a smooth passage.

As soon as the meeting ended, a staff member came to everyone and reported: "Boss, when the Golden Lion was sailing in Singapore, there was something wrong with the cold storage. The ship's engineer was at a loss. He wanted to dock in Singapore. He had to repair the cold storage first, otherwise the seafood would be damaged. Waiting for the goods will be damaged."

Lin Zhichao frowned and said, "It takes time to repair the cold storage. If the flight is delayed, wouldn't the loss be even heavier?"

The staff naturally didn't know what to do, and the senior executives also started thinking.

Finally, a senior executive suggested: "Purchase a large amount of ice cubes in Singapore and put them in a cold storage. After completing this transportation task, it will not be too late to repair the cold storage!"

Everyone's eyes lit up, it turned out that things can often be handled in the simplest way.

Lin Zhichao said: "That's right! When encountering a problem, we must adopt the best way to deal with it and brainstorm."

Subsequently, company management communicated how the matter was handled via radio. The senior sailors on the Golden Lion were stunned for the first time. It turned out that handling the matter was so simple.

Although this incident was minor, it was immediately included in Global Shipping’s emergency handling regulations.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao also decided one thing in his heart. The oil tanker business was about to start, and he had to remind everyone from time to time that the route should be run according to the plan and not deviate.

Many oil tanker shipbuilding accidents were caused by the captain's unauthorized deviation and stranding. However, at this point, the execution ability of the Chinese is very powerful, and the senior foreign seamen are an unstable factor.

After the oil tanker is sold this time, Lin Zhichao plans to set up a "refresher class" for senior seamen after returning to Hong Kong, using the world's top navigation experts to provide regular training to his senior seamen.

Pay close attention to the management of navigation technology!

In late August, Lin Zhichao came to the United States and went straight to Exxon Oil Company with Feng Yongfa. This company later merged with Mobil Oil Company to become the world's largest oil company.

If Lin Zhichao wants to break into the oil transportation industry in Europe and the United States, he must start from a large enterprise to gain credibility in the entire industry.

The two easily 'broke into' the office of Exxon International's Chartering Department without any difficulty.

"Um, who are you?" A manager-looking man pointed at the two of them and asked.

As soon as Lin Zhichao saw this person, he analyzed his possible identity and soon learned that he was at least a management-level figure, so he took out his business card and handed it to this person with the English side facing up.

"Hello, we are from Hong Kong Global Shipping, and we hope to cooperate with your company on chartering!" Lin Zhichao said confidently and politely.

He has some advantages, and he naturally relies on his strength to fight for cooperation opportunities. Others will not trust you to hand over their business just because you nod and bend.

Niu Deng looked at the business card in his hand, then showed no interest, and said to Lin Zhichao: "We have never heard of Hong Kong shipping companies. We only trust big Greek shipowners, just like Onassis!"

There is derogation in the words, this kind of mentality is completely normal. Not only are Europeans and Americans themselves arrogant, but they also want to take the vanguard in negotiations.

Lin Zhichao knows these European and American businessmen. When they get to know you, they will be very careful and will not trust you easily. Once you make results and satisfy them, the prejudices in their heads will disappear. Will be a great partner.

"We have very low prices! Moreover, we own four oil tankers, each with a tonnage of 15,000 to 16,000 tons."

This tonnage was not very small in the 1950s, it could only be said to be average; if it had reached the 1960s, it would have been a small tanker.

When Niu Deng heard the 'very low price', he immediately became interested. This was exactly the result Lin Zhichao needed.

"You are a Hong Kong shipowner. Have you been on the U.S. Department of Commerce's blacklist?"

The words even revealed a little disgust, which was the common mentality of Americans at this time. After all, the war had just ended a year ago.

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "I have nothing to do with the war. My fleet has always been leased to Japanese customers on a long-term basis. Large Japanese shipping companies such as Yamaguchi Steamship, Nippon Steamship, and Sanko Steamship are all our big customers. So. , my credibility is very good.”

When Niu Deng heard this, he didn't care about it anymore, because as long as Lin Zhichao was not blacklisted, he could continue talking.

"I didn't see the low price!"

Lin Zhichao knew that there was a breakthrough, so he said: "I will definitely give you a very low price!"

But they didn't tell me the price directly because they were still standing.

Upon seeing this, Niu Deng also formally invited the two to the conference room to talk, and the matter had reached a breakthrough.

In fact, Niuden knew about Global Shipping, which was a large shipping company in the Far East and had a lot of business in Japan. Being able to rent the ship to a Japanese shipping company means that the rent must be very low, which is very beneficial to Exxon.

After arriving at the conference room, everyone sat down.

Lin Zhichao took the initiative to introduce: "The four ships are oil tankers produced in the UK. They are between 18 and 20 years old. We have done a lot of maintenance on the ships. At the same time, our seamen have been systematically trained. , their quality is not inferior to that of European and American seamen. So, please rest assured that we can complete the task perfectly."

He did not avoid the fact that the ship was older, but said it bluntly.

Niu Deng and others really frowned when they heard the age of the ship.

"Old ship!"

Hearing Niu Deng's drawn-out voice, Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Although it is an old ship, it will not affect the safety and time of shipping. We will try our best. At the same time, if you rent the four ships, The annual rent is only US$3 million, and a one- or two-year lease term can be provided.”

The operating costs of oil tankers are also high, so although the one-year lease term is 3 million U.S. dollars, a profit of 2 million U.S. dollars is already high. The cost of purchasing four oil tankers is also nearly 5 million U.S. dollars, two and a half years. You can get your money back. Of course, this is still theoretical. The biggest problem with second-hand ships is that they are risky. A major repair may be a huge expense. One accident may result in a year's work being wasted.

The expression on Niu Deng's face changed and he recovered immediately, but this scene could not escape Lin Zhichao's eyes.

This price is too tempting. For example, Onassis's ships are charged on a one-way basis. They would rather leave them empty at the port than rent them to you at a low price.

Finally, Niu Den still said: "The price is pretty good, but I still can't believe you! But, I can give you a chance, try it once, only one chance, run a transportation, let me see your level!"

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "No problem, we are willing to accept the challenge."

Niu Deng nodded. He was actually very optimistic about this cooperation, because Lin Zhichao was indeed an unknown person in shipping. He knew Lin Zhichao's character. However, an experiment of cooperation is essential.

Afterwards, the two parties agreed on the tasks. This cooperation did not even have a formal contract. It was to send four ships to the Middle East to complete a transportation task. After passing the test, they would consider continuing the cooperation.

Of course, you can get money for a trial. After all, it’s expensive, so how can it be free?

Los Angeles, Audrey Toys.

In the office building, Audrey Hepburn, Baroness, and Lin Zhichao were interviewing a CEO candidate.

"Mr. Rich, why did you choose to join 'Audrey Toys Company'?" Lin Zhichao asked from his soul.

Richie was an elite talent introduced by others, but Lin Zhichao was very suspicious of him having "bad intentions."

Sure enough, Richie said honestly: "I heard that Miss Audrey founded the toy company, and I thought it was a company with a lot of celebrity effect, and it might give me better career prospects."

Looking at Richie's information, Lin Zhichao was very satisfied. He had middle-level management experience in a large enterprise, and managing a small toy company was not easy. At present, 'Audrey Toys Company' only has two designers and two staff members, for a total of four employees.

Lin Zhichao gave Audrey Hepburn a look. Audrey immediately understood what his sweetheart meant. After getting to know each other for a while, he said, "Congratulations, you are admitted! I hope you can come to work as soon as possible!"

Rich was also quite surprised at this time. It turned out that Audrey told him that the company was developing a 'doll', which was a 1:6 replica of a real person. The important thing is that the image of this doll is the image of a toy in the eyes of children, rather than the image of a doll imposed on children by adults - a cute little angel, chubby and chubby, similar to the famous child star Shirley Temple The screen image, which is the adult's imagination of children's toys.

Very novel idea!

"No problem, I can come to work in up to three days!"

After the CEO was settled, Givenchy also came to Audrey Toys in a short while. He was invited by Audrey Hepburn, hoping to design costumes for Barbie dolls.

Givenchy is curious about the relationship between Lin Zhichao and Audrey. After all, if they are just partners, why does Audrey Hepburn look like she is pregnant?

"What's your relationship?"

The Baroness immediately interjected: "They are just friends. Boy, if you like my daughter, you can boldly pursue her!" After saying that, she looked at Lin Zhichao proudly.

She still hasn't changed her mind about breaking up the two of them! Although she has accepted the reality that the two are together.

Givenchy quickly shook his head and said, "Baoness, I'm afraid you have misunderstood me, Audrey and I are just friends!"

Audrey held Lin Zhichao's arm and said intimately, "I'm five months pregnant. It's a pity that I can't show you your clothes."

Givenchy was stunned and then said: "That is really a very bad thing! But I still wish you happiness!"

After playing the piano for a while, the office finally returned to normal. Givenchy also tried to get to know Lin Zhichao tentatively, but it turned out that he only roughly knew that it was because of a very wealthy Chinese businessman.

As for designing clothes for Barbie, Givenchy did not refuse, not only because he had collaborated with Audrey Hepburn, but also because he was curious and trustful about the Barbie planned by Lin Zhichao.

That night, Lin Zhichao found Ella to talk.

"Baroness, if you introduce Audrey again, I will be angry with you!" Lin Zhichao said forcefully.

Ella was stunned. Under Lin Zhichao's strong eyes, she could no longer resist. She had never thought that Lin Zhichao had such a strong aura.

"You brat, haven't you always been confident? Why are you scared now?" Ella said pretending to be calm.

"It's not because I'm afraid, but because I don't want her grandmother to disturb the mother and his peaceful life after the child is born." Lin Zhichao said deliberately.

When Ella heard this, she immediately wanted to be a grandmother, not to mention how heartwarming it was for her daughter to live with her.

"How do I know if you will always give up and cheat on my daughter?"

"I don't have to, I love her very much. Taking a step back, the birth of a child will become a big concern for me. I long to build a large family, and I will not despise the cultivation of children, let alone let her Others raise my children for me. So, even if Audrey doesn't like doing business, I will put a lot of investments in her name."

Ella finally compromised and said: "Okay, I won't interfere with your affairs anymore!"

Then, Audrey Hepburn walked out at the right time, and Ella suddenly said dissatisfied: "My dear daughter, why are you just watching me being taught a lesson by this guy just now!"

Audrey Hepburn held Ella's arm this time and said softly: "Mom, this is the best way to solve the problem, isn't it?"

Good guy, he clearly favors Lin Zhichao.

In the end, everyone can finally get along peacefully. They recently spent some time in Los Angeles, focusing on toy company matters. Later, Ella accompanied Audrey Hepburn to settle in Zurich, Switzerland, to prepare for the birth.

As for the toy company's affairs, leave them to the CEO, with occasional supervision.

What's more, when the child was born, Barbie wouldn't be available yet, and it would be some time yet.