The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Lin Zhichao came to the "Yangtze River Investment Fund" office building on Wall Street in New York. His purpose of going overseas this time was mainly to handle the private investment funds.

Audrey Hepburn has transferred more than 200 million U.S. dollars to Lin Zhichao's personal account, plus another 200 million U.S. dollars from the Yangtze River Investment Fund, which amounts to a private wealth of more than 400 million U.S. dollars (more than 2.2 billion Hong Kong dollars).

Such a huge wealth naturally requires careful planning.

"boss"

Chris and others were already waiting for Lin Zhichao and greeted him respectfully.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Then let's have a meeting first and introduce the situation!"

Chris is also an old man who has followed Lin Zhichao for many years. He has no problem with loyalty and has won Lin Zhichao's trust. Wealth worth a little more than 200 million was handed over to a team headed by him for operation and management. Lin Zhichao rarely conducted accounting and management for a year. After all, he was really too busy.

After arriving at the conference room, a total of seven people attended the meeting.

"Let's get started, report the cash-out situation and the details of the funds!"

Chris immediately said: "We started cashing out in February, and it is almost at the end now. It is expected that we can all cash out in early March. During this period, the U.S. stock market rose relatively well, which created better value and opportunities for us to cash out. American Airlines, Pan American Airways, and Texas Instruments are our heavy holdings, and they are highly popular. With annual dividends, plus your $1 million injection, the stocks we operate are expected to return $212 million after tax."

Subsequently, finance and accounting conducted work reports in turn.

In terms of funds, they were all deposited in American banks; the 220 million Audrey Hepburn gave him was transferred to cooperative banks in Switzerland and London.

After listening to the report, Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "Thank you for your hard work! After completing the cash-out this time, I plan to establish a private family investment company in Hong Kong. At that time, this investment company will set up an American Investment Department, a European Investment Department, and an Asian Investment Department." Department. President Chris, you have been with me for a long time, and I trust you. If you are interested, you can become the vice president and president of the Americas Department of this investment company. The difference is that you have to manage global investments and often travel around the world. , or come to Hong Kong to report to me."

We want to create a private investment company similar to Li Jiacheng’s ‘Victoria Harbor Investment’ and Lee Shau Kee’s ‘Shau Kee Finance’ in the previous life.

When the time comes, we need to build a ‘family office’ and make preparations.

After all, Lin Zhichao is different from others. His wealth will expand infinitely and reach a terrifying level in the future. Therefore, you need to have your own private investment company, your own family office, and even your own trust fund.

The cunning rabbit has three burrows, which is the last word!

Chris was overjoyed and immediately said: "I am willing to accept the challenge and thank my boss for trusting me over the years!"

He admired Lin Zhichao's vision and investment methods, and also knew that Lin Zhichao's wealth was very huge. Working with such a boss, he would be better off than many people on Wall Street. The important thing is that the boss likes to direct operations by himself. He does not need to take huge risks. He just needs to be a qualified wealth steward.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Okay, after the work here is completed later, you will come to Hong Kong to prepare for the establishment."

"I see!"

Later, Lin Zhichao visited the company.

This time he has a lot of work overseas. In addition to safely receiving private investment funds, he also pre-leased the second batch of 10 226,000-ton oil tankers.

In fact, European and American oil companies are very short of oil tankers, and Lin Zhichao's oil tankers are very popular; he mostly keeps in touch with everyone and attends some social events.

The next day, Lin Zhichao came to the New York branch of Universal Group.

When Bobby Blair saw Lin Zhichao, he said: "Boss, Harvard University would like to invite you to give a speech to the students. The time can be arranged by you!"

Lin Zhichao suddenly felt secretly happy because his son was studying at Harvard!

As a father, naturally the happiest thing is to be a role model for his son. So this speech is a very important event for him.

It's not that he wants to be famous or show off that he's successful, but he wants to be a role model for his son.

"Okay, you can make arrangements for me. The time will be set in five days. Can you ask the school if it is feasible? I can also adjust the time flexibly."

"No problem! I know your son is studying at Harvard, and I think you won't refuse this event."

"Haha, Harvard University is one of the top universities in the world. This is my honor!"

Bobby Blair did not take it seriously. His boss had the humility of a Chinese. It has always been a mystery how many ships Universal Group owned. The media only speculated that it was six to seven million tons, which was actually greatly underestimated.

Of course, even if the boss is so low-key and personally owns a fleet of six to seven million tons, he is still extremely influential. In addition, the boss is a rare self-made 'young rich man' in the world, so he has attracted much attention.

After returning to the office, Lin Zhichao and Bobby Blair talked.

"Blair, Japanese shipyards say they can already build a 326,000-ton ULCC (ultra-large tanker). Do you think this kind of ship is worth building?"

Since Universal Group has customers all over Europe, the United States and Japan, and has a good reputation, Japanese shipyards have always regarded it as its 'best customer'. If there are any breakthroughs in technology, they will notify him as soon as possible.

At this point, Bao Yugang in his previous life was not treated equally. First of all, Lin Zhichao has stronger funds and better reputation. To put it simply, he is not asking you for a loan from Japan. Secondly, Lin Zhichao has a very strong network of contacts over the years, especially the major oil companies trust him. Finally, there is Lin Zhichao bet on British and American leaders, made friends with politicians, and gained influence by serving as chairman of the Oil Tanker Association.

Bobby Blair said: "This large oil tanker is still worth building, but it should not be too big like the boss. And there is another important reason. Personally speaking, the question of how long the Suez Canal will be closed is at least three It will take more than 20 years, but once it is opened, it will still have an impact on shipping."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "That's not necessarily the case! First of all, many people are afraid to build ships now. They are also worried that the Suez Canal will be opened in one year; secondly, the Suez Canal cannot be opened in three years. The problem now is that Israel It is impossible to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula unless"

Bobby Blair immediately said: "Unless the fourth Middle East war breaks out, even if Israel wins, it probably does not want to spend forever. Therefore, only if Israel withdraws from the Sinai Peninsula can the Suez Canal be reopened. And the Middle East countries launched a war I’m afraid it will take at least five years to prepare for a war.”

Lin Zhichao nodded with a smile and said: "That's right! We in the shipping business are all about analyzing politics, regional risks and wars. Why did I dare to order 30 226,000-ton VLCCs in the first place? I know that everything will be good in five years. Market situation. I plan to expand the fleet to 50 VLCC and above ships from 1969 to 1970, then stop the expansion, and then gradually phase out small tankers."

50 VLCCs and ULCCs are almost 12 million; plus the other 7.3 million tons ships, this is already nearly 19.3 million tons. If more container ships are built, it may exceed 20 million tons.

At the same time, four shipping companies, including Asia Shipping, Longfeng International, and Bahamas Global, are also developing step by step.

enough!

Bobby Blair immediately said: "If this is the case, ULCC can build five ships every year and can start building them at the end of this year. Today, Universal Group's debt is still not high, and this year's profit exceeds 250 million US dollars. It is safe. If Excluding the third batch of VLCC, we actually have no net debt this year. From 1969 to 1971, these three years were enough to pay off all debts."

It's amazing that for such a huge fleet, the shipbuilding has been completed and the debt has been basically paid off.

In his previous life, Bao Yugang was known as the richest man in China in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with a net worth of US$1 billion. At that time, he had a fleet of 20 million tons, but he only accounted for 60%, so his net worth was 1 billion (the discount point of second-hand ships).

In this life, Lin Zhichao also had a fleet of 19.3 million tons in 1971, and almost all of them were newer ships less than eight years old; so there is no problem with this fleet of US$1.8 to US$2 billion. HSBC only accounts for 15%, while Lin Zhichao accounts for 85%, so his net worth in shipping alone has reached 1.6 to 1.7 billion US dollars.

And that’s not counting the other four shipping companies!

To achieve such results eight or nine years ahead of schedule is certainly no small feat. It has squeezed out the market share of Japan, Greece and other regions, and also squeezed out Bao Yugang’s share.

For example, several Japanese shipping companies now rent Lin Zhichao's ships, accounting for a very large proportion.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Okay, I already know it in my heart!"

Not only to pay off the debt, but more importantly, to start selling some ships without long-term contracts at the end of 1972, especially small oil tankers under 100,000 tons, all of them should be sold.

As for the big ships, they had to go through long-term contracts from 1973 to 1974, and a batch of them had to be sold starting in 1978.

A dormitory at Harvard houses two white and one yellow juniors.

Jerry: "Rui Huan, there will be a lecture in the auditorium in two days. It is Mr. Lin Zhichao, the "World Shipping King" from Hong Kong. Do you want to go and listen to it?"

Lin Ruihuan has been informed by his mother that his father will speak at the Harvard Auditorium on Friday. Of course he will not be absent. That is his idol. His roommate didn't know his identity, and he couldn't tell anyone. In fact, Lin Ruihuan didn't have any brand names on his body, and his living expenses were only average.

Therefore, even if he said loudly, "My father is the world's shipping king and the leader of the Chinese in Hong Kong," his classmates would definitely sneer at him.

Who believes it?

Such a rich dad lives such a "shabby" life, and even plans to take a part-time job to earn more living expenses.

"Go, what about you, are you interested?"

Jerry smiled and said: "We are business school students, so of course we have to listen to Mr. Lin Zhichao's speech! It is said that he is a self-made young man who is only 40 years old. Oh, it's hard to imagine. It is said that his ship The team is much larger than Onassis and Nicholas combined, which is another six to seven million tons. By the way, you are all from Hong Kong, do you know him?"

Lin Ruihuan said confidently: "Of course! He is the pride of us Hong Kong Chinese, and even the pride of overseas Chinese. And his career is not only shipping, he is also an industrialist, with Rubik's cubes, trolley suitcases, plastic flowers, instant noodles, etc. , were all invented by his company and created many miracles.”

Let’s not talk about real estate, lest it be too shocking.

Another roommate, McCann, sat up from the bed and said in surprise: "What a legendary businessman! I have to listen to his speech. We will graduate next year. Isn't it what we should learn from a self-made rich man like him?" The object of it?"

There were not many Chinese students studying abroad in this era, but there were more in the 1970s and 1980s; and there were even fewer Chinese students at Harvard, so Lin Ruihuan’s roommates were all white. Fortunately, the roommates are all very nice, and there are no racial objections. Of course, this is also because Lin Ruihuan is a better person.

At the same time, Lin Ruihuan also listened to his father's words. If there is a suitable Chinese girl in college, one he likes and whose character is good, he must not miss it.

He wanted to listen to his father. Because of his age in his freshman and sophomore years, there was no way to find someone. Even if there was one, others would think you were a kid, so why bother asking for trouble? By the time he was a junior, he didn't find anyone suitable.

In less than a year and a half, I have to return to Hong Kong and start from the grassroots level. I'm afraid I won't have a chance.

"McCann, do you also want to be a successful entrepreneur?" Lin Ruihuan said with a smile.

"Of course, why not? I want to make a lot of money, and then find Hollywood stars to be my girlfriends!" McCann said excitedly.

"Celebrities?"

"Yes! A person's life is so long, so naturally he needs to find more girlfriends!"

"Hollywood female stars won't make it easy for you!"

"No, as long as you have money!"

"All right!"

Lin Ruihuan was speechless. His third mother is one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood.

Lin Zhichao came to Harvard University. He had never donated money to Harvard because his son was still studying here, so it was impossible to donate. Even three years after Lin Ruihuan graduated, it was impossible for him to donate. This was called avoiding suspicion.

After the 1980s, it would be more meaningful for Lin Ruihuan to donate money himself!

Accompanied by the principal, Lin Zhichao came to the auditorium. There were about five to six hundred students inside, and some were even sitting in the aisles.

Lin Zhichao understands that these are students who are eager to succeed. Their goals are simple and there are no problems. People must have a strong desire for success and a firm belief in order to succeed.

"Hello, teachers and classmates! I am honored to receive an invitation to speak at Harvard University. This is a great university. To be honest, I only went to elementary school (friendly laughter). However, I am very confident. I am standing here not because I am very successful, but because I also come from a scholarly family. I have also been insisting on studying and learning many languages ​​​​because I believe that managers of private companies or government agencies should continue to learn in order to Strive to adapt and grow, otherwise you will fall behind.”

"If you want to be a world-famous economic tycoon, you cannot stay away from politics. You must understand the current situation and grasp the substance amidst the colorful appearances."

"Please do not expect to hear a formula for management technology and financial planning strategies, but in-depth investigation and research and rational comprehensive analysis are the basis for correct judgment."

"Then let me give you an example: To be in the shipbuilding industry, you need to work hard! You need to research. As for yourself, you must be willing to endure hardships and work hard. When the ship is moving outside, you have to run around and have a lot of information and phone calls. Be open and smart! For example, if you can’t see clearly the current situation in the Middle East, how do you decide how to handle a ship charter? The Suez Canal is an important route for world shipping. It is closed now. When will it be opened? If you can make your own correct judgment, your profits will increase a lot!"

"The relationship between people is also very important! The relationship between world politics is also very important! The relationship between the world economy is also very important! Nowadays, Japanese shipbuilding is the cheapest. You should know all kinds of information."

"You also need to make your own judgment on the prospects of international finance. Which currency of each country is the most stable, you can consider which currency to use for settlement. Otherwise, once turmoil occurs, the loss must be the cost of the company."

"Okay, my speech is over! There will be a question and answer session later, everyone can ask questions!"

Thunderous applause!

Lin Zhichao is very fluent in English. What is important is that he has specially learned the grammar for speeches, which is different from ordinary English speaking. The reason why he asked teachers from the University of Hong Kong to teach him the grammar of speech is that he himself can give speeches all over the world.

The students in the audience were also very enthusiastic. Lin Zhichao was so confident and calm on the stage. Everyone even saw a young world shipping king scolding Fang Qiu on the stage and giving guidance.

Soon, under the guidance of the host, the question-and-answer session began!

Classmate A

"Mr. Lin, you said you speak multiple languages. Do you speak French?" (French)

"Of course, I often go to France, which is a romantic city and a tourist destination, so how is my French?"

"Very standard!"

Classmate B

"Mr. Lin, do you have any advice for us young people, such as how to achieve success?"

"Young people are the easiest to succeed, because your youth is your capital. Young people must be a type of people who are brave enough to move forward and will not stop until they reach their goals. They will not have too many worries. The future is yours!"

applause!

Classmate C

"Mr. Lin, you admire Harvard University so much that you will let your children study here!"

"He's already at Harvard, but I don't know if he's here today."

Coax, the scene will be scrutinized immediately!

Fortunately, there were hundreds of Chinese students here today, so it was not so easy to guess.

Even the president of Harvard was very surprised, but then returned to normal. The first president of Harvard University and even the president of the United States, so it is normal for the son of the world's shipping king to come to study.

What is gratifying is that the son of the world's shipping king came in because of his real ability, because they have not received donations from Lin Zhichao so far. But having such an outstanding alumnus is also the original intention of Harvard University.

After the speech, Lin Zhichao, accompanied by the president, visited Harvard University. Originally, the president did not plan to accompany him. After all, the president of Harvard University also has a very distinguished status. However, he heard that Lin Zhichao's son was studying at Harvard and decided to accompany him personally. This is a relationship.

On Saturday, Lin Zhichao and his eldest son Lin Ruihuan had dinner together at a restaurant in Boston. It was just a simple restaurant, and Lin Ruihuan brought Lin Zhichao there.

"Dad, I'm treating you today, feel free to order!" Lin Ruihuan said happily.

Yesterday I saw my father's glorious deeds (Harvard speech), and he is very inspired now.

Lin Zhichao took the menu, looked at it and said with a smile: "Your living expenses are enough to cover your own expenses!"

In fact, the living allowance given to a moderately wealthy family is not a bad treatment to Lin Ruihuan. He does not want his son to remember the hardships and sweet things, that is all fake; it is just to prevent him from experiencing the "rich second generation" prematurely, at least it is his job. After one or two years, he will be given a relatively sufficient material life, because he can experience the difficulty of making money while working.

Lin Ruihuan said with a smile: "The expenses here are not big. I have a scholarship, so I saved some money and bought a second-hand car to treat friends to an outing on the weekend. Besides, I also want to work-study for a while!"

Lin Zhichao was surprised. This son was 'good at spending money' than he thought. Of course, people who "know how to spend money" are not a waste of money, but people who really know how to plan. Buying two second-hand cars is of course a good thing. It is very inconvenient to not have a car in the United States.

"No need for work-study, it's a waste of study time! Your third mother is going to buy a small hotel in a New York train station, and I specifically asked her to start renovating it into a four-star Hyatt Hotel next summer. By then, I want you to go I worked on that project for two years and then returned to Hong Kong to join the company.”

Originally, he wanted his son to participate in the listing of Cheung Kong Holdings, but Lin Zhichao's thoughts kept changing. He felt that Lin Ruihuan could improve his capabilities by participating in a real estate company in the United States for two years.

Of course Lin Ruihuan would not object and said: "Then the third mother is my boss, I will do a good job!"

He became sensible very early. It is incredible that his father can unite three mothers. Especially the third mother, a big Hollywood star, is committed to her father without even asking for a title.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "I asked her to hand over the materials to you as soon as this project starts. You can use your weekends to read the materials and try not to affect your studies. In the past year or so, most of the planning and design Time, you just need to read the information. You can use weekends, summer vacations, and winter vacations to participate, but never use class time."

"Well, don't worry, Dad!"

With just over a year left, Lin Zhichao didn't want his son to be too distracted. College was still very important.

Next, the father and son had a meal together and visited Boston. It was rare for them to spend such a day alone together.

Among Lin Zhichao's older sons, Lin Ruihuan is more calm and obedient, Lin Ruijiang is more cheerful and outgoing, and Lin Ruihai is calm and confident.

Lin Ruihuan is undoubtedly Lin Zhichao's favorite character - calm and obedient. He will properly inherit the core assets in the future and ensure that the empire he has built will not be lost.

Lin Ruijiang prefers to 'make friends', 'be a leader' and 'show off'. I don't know if this is suitable for the Yangtze River Industry Group. Lin Zhichao hopes that the Yangtze River Industry Group will become 'Changjiang Technology' in the future. I don't know if Lin Ruijiang has that kind of attitude. Innovative and brave spirit. However, when it comes to technology, Lin Zhichao has always just done it and no longer considers whether it will succeed or not.

Lin Ruihai can be regarded as the eldest son of Xu Caiying's lineage. It is good to be calm, but he is a little arrogant. Lin Zhichao is not worried. If you are proud, be proud. Everyone may be a little arrogant, as long as you have the capital.

In any case, Lin Zhichao is young after all and will not consider whether his son can take over. He only needs them to join the company and be qualified for the job.

Because he understands that the eighty-year-old Lin Zhichao may not be as energetic as his fifty- or sixty-year-old son.