The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

In the top-floor office of Global Building, Lin Zhichao entertained the visiting Sandus and Shen Bi.

Lin Zhichao's own status is far from being comparable to that of Bao Yugang and Li Jiacheng in his previous life.

In his previous life, Bao Yugang only had a fleet of about six to seven million tons at this time. More importantly, he was only involved in the shipping industry. The achievements of the Li family are even more incomparable to him. By the end of the 1970s, he , still begging Shen Bi to sell Hutchison Whampoa to him.

Lin Zhichao now controls a fleet of more than 20 million tons, and as of August, his net debt is almost zero.

In other words, not only does he not have to ask HSBC, he can also bring 150 to 180 million Hong Kong dollars in profits to HSBC every year, which is equivalent to 35% of the HSBC Group's total profits.

The annual profit of Universal Group is as high as more than 1.2 billion Hong Kong dollars, and it can earn more than 100 million every month.

Including Feng Yongfa, the four of them sat on the sofa and tasted tea in a leisurely and elegant manner.

Sandus put down his tea cup and said: "I came to visit Sir Lin this time to ask you for advice. Several shipping companies that HSBC participates in have stopped building ships in the past year and a half; World Shipping has even sold less than 100,000 tons. oil tanker, are these Sir Lin’s strategies, can you tell us?”

Shen Bi couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Even the largest British-funded conglomerate in Hong Kong, such as HSBC Group, now had to put down its dignity and face Sir Lin. This Chinese chaebol has actually surpassed the British chaebol in all aspects, but everyone doesn't realize it yet.

He was promoted to general manager of HSBC this year, so it was the first time he intuitively felt Lin Zhichao's influence. The position of the general manager of HSBC Bank is still a long way from the position of the executive director of HSBC Bank. There are managing directors and vice-chairmen in between, and it would take less than five years to complete the position.

Lin Zhichao said: "I have always used the history of the extinction of the 'big and powerful' dinosaurs to warn myself. The Suez Canal has been closed for five years, and small oil tankers are not conducive to operations, so reducing ships is my strategy. World Shipping and other companies we cooperate with For enterprises, profits will be directly distributed as dividends in the future and there will be no expansion."

Due to his rise, Greek and Japanese shipowners were greatly affected, and he made a lot of money.

Therefore, Lin Zhichao is also very vigilant!

Japanese shipping companies lease a large number of his ships, which means that they order fewer ships of their own than in previous generations, and the proportion of chartered ships is very high. As for Greek shipowners, they have lost a lot of business in the United States and Europe, such as Onassis and Niklas, and their strength has been halved.

Of course, for example, if the current annual return rate is 20%, Lin Zhichao implements long-term leasing, and the annual return rate is reduced to 15%, which is already at the limit; of course there are advantages, he does not need to worry about business gaps, the ship is always running.

After hearing this, Sandus smiled and said: "If you say that, we are relieved! Cooperating with you in shipping is probably the most cost-effective business with the highest return rate that HSBC has ever invested in."

Lin Zhichao said modestly: "If HSBC had not supported Universal Shipping, Universal Group would not be the size it is today. Our two companies have achieved mutual success and have a happy cooperation."

"nature"

At this time, Lin Zhichao suddenly felt enlightened. He did not need the help of HSBC to acquire Wharf. The acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa was also logical. There was no need to ask Shen Bi because there was no better candidate.

More importantly, Hutchison Whampoa is no longer that important in Lin Zhichao's heart. After the Yangtze River Industrial Group is listed, it will carry out comprehensive development with real estate as the core, which is something Li Jiacheng could not do in his previous life.

Therefore, Lin Zhichao changed the subject and said in a joking tone: "If HSBC really owes me a favor, what do you think, Mr. Sanders?"

Shen Bi couldn't help but wonder, would HSBC owe Lin Zhichao a favor, and a big favor?

Seeing Lin Zhichao's expression, Sandus asked tentatively: "But what happened at Hang Seng Bank back then?"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Mr. Sandus should know something about my financial strength back then!"

Sandus said: "To understand something, you have a deposit of 100 million in Hang Seng Bank, and you also have a large amount of deposits in HSBC. I believe there are also other banks. There is really no problem in acquiring Hang Seng Bank. Now think about it, Mr. Lin has also done this Kind of thought!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Thinking about it now, I missed the best opportunity to enter a bank, and I'm afraid I won't have another chance in the future. I had two concerns at the time: First, compared to my acquisition of HSBC Bank, which acquired Hang Seng Bank, it Only by restoring credibility as soon as possible, and with the backing of HSBC, can this company develop rapidly in the future; secondly, between the rapid development of shipping and entering a bank, I chose the rapid development of shipping."

Sandus glanced at Shen Bi, and then said: "Now it seems that we, HSBC Bank, do owe you a favor."

Over the years, he has been bribed by Lin Zhichao. He said this as a reminder to his successor.

When Shen Bi saw this, he seemed to have some understanding and said: "With Mr. Lin's current financial situation, it seems difficult for us at HSBC to return this favor."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Haha, it's all a joke. It's not so much a favor, but better cooperation in the future. HSBC supported me in the early 1950s."

Sandus and Shen Bi quickly ran out of ideas and just thought it was Lin Zhichao's joke. What's more, no matter how strong Lin Zhichao's financial situation is, Hong Kong is still ruled by the British. A good relationship with HSBC is the best way.

After chatting for a while, Sandus and Shen Bi left together.

On the way, Shen Bi said: "Taipan, should we consider finding someone else to cooperate in shipping?"

Sandus hesitated for a moment and said: "Lin Zhichao has a unique vision. If he brakes at this time, there may be changes in shipping. Investing in shipping is no longer a good choice for us. However, if we provide loans to shipping, we can give it appropriate consideration."

Shen Bi nodded and did not refute. He just asked casually. He did not doubt Lin Zhichao's vision and ability. After all, Lin Zhichao was the absolute overlord in the shipping field.

In the office.

Lin Zhichao is also thinking about a problem. Last weekend (8.15), the United States announced that it would "decouple the U.S. dollar from gold" and would no longer exchange gold from its national treasury to foreign governments.

This means that the price of gold will float freely, and it also means that gold will start to rise sharply.

For a long time in the future, Universal Group will become Lin Zhichao's cash cow, generating a large amount of cash and urgently needing investment channels.

Currently, one ounce of gold costs 40 to 42 US dollars, and one ton of gold costs a little over 35,000 ounces, which is about 1.5 million US dollars.

When he buys gold, he must buy it by the ton.

Action must be taken immediately.

Unfortunately, although Hong Kong has relaxed gold imports, it has not completely lifted the controls. It seems that the controls will not be lifted until 1974. By then, gold merchants will gather in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong one of the four major gold trading centers in the world.

Therefore, the gold currently sold in the Hong Kong Gold and Silver Trade Market is industrial gold with a fineness of 94% or 95%. The reason for this is to circumvent the regulations set by the Hong Kong government by importing gold from Macau, and then adding silver and other metals to Macau to change the fineness of the gold.

Lin Zhichao quickly formulated three channels:

First, gold is purchased from Omen and flowed into Hong Kong through ‘smuggling’; of course, this so-called smuggling must have a very safe method.

Second, go to London or Zurich, adopt the form of bank entrustment, buy gold and deposit it in the bank. He only needs to pay the handling fee. Among them, the three banks in Zurich are the most competitive.

Third, 94% of the gold will be cashed out from the gold and silver trading market and will be purified in the future.

Of course, it is not possible to invest too much in gold. We are planning to invest approximately US$400 million, or about 250 tons.

A week later, Lin Zhichao appeared in Zurich, Switzerland, accompanied by Chris, the president of Victoria Harbor Investment, and Li Zhonghe, the vice president. Among them, Li Zhonghe is considered an "old retainer". He used to be the financial manager of Universal Group, but now he has become the vice president of "Victoria Harbor Investment", mainly responsible for financial security matters.

Lin Zhichao made a plan as soon as he decided to invest in gold, and Zurich became his first stop.

In 1968, when the London gold vault collapsed and the London gold market closed for two weeks, this system was designed to maintain the Bretton Woods system of fixed-rate convertible currencies and to defend the $35 per troy ounce gold price by intervening in the London market. While markets in other countries continued to trade as gold prices rose, Zurich became the gold center of the world.

The Zurich Gold Vault was founded in 1968 by the largest Swiss banks. In response to the temporary closure of the London gold market in March 1968. The accompanying weakness in sterling ended London's dominance as the world's main gold exchange. In response to the resulting turmoil in the gold market and the financial system as a whole, UBS took immediate action to establish a private gold trading organization, Zurich Gold, through an informal agreement between UBS, UBS AG and Credit Suisse Library.

By establishing the Zurich Gold Vault, a private gold trading organization, it will help to establish Zurich as an international gold trading center by minimizing its impact on the Swiss banking system and its currency.

The closure of the London gold market at that time caused serious instability in gold trading and valuation. Without a market, South African gold producers need to seek other trading partners. The Zurich Gold Organization, and in particular UBS, immediately became the main financial partner for South African suppliers. The Swiss gold market in Zurich, which has no domestic supply of gold, developed and maintained its dominance in gold bullion trading by providing specialized accounts and banking services under the country's banking secrecy laws.

In short, when the London gold market collapsed and South Africa's gold was in desperate need of cash, the Zurich gold market rose naturally.

The production of gold and diamonds in South Africa is the fundamental reason for its development, and it is not all the work of white people. At the same time, South Africa is a developed country, but black people are still poor. Just like in the Internet of later generations, "If Jack Ma and I have equal wealth, I will also become a billionaire." Seeing white people becoming rich, black people will naturally not be reconciled.

The headquarters building of the Swiss Bank.

Ralph, the president of UBS's investment business, warmly received Lin Zhichao and his party. When he learned that the ‘World Shipping King’ needed to entrust a Swiss bank to invest, Ralph immediately took it seriously.

This 'World Shipping King' is far more influential than any shipping king in history. It is said that he controls a fleet of about 15 million tons, accounting for 4% of the world's merchant ships, second only to the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The fourth largest merchant shipping empire', twice the size of the Soviet Union.

"Mr. Lin, welcome to Zurich!"

"President Ralph, I often come to Zurich for vacation and have my own property here."

"That would be our honor!"

After a few brief conversations and introductions to the senior management of both parties, everyone came to the conference room and sat down.

Lin Zhichao said straight to the point: "I want to entrust a Swiss bank to invest in gold, store gold, and trade gold for my private investment company."

Victoria Harbor Investment once cooperated with Swiss banks, but it was just a deposit business. In less than two years, it flowed into the U.S. stock market.

Ralph immediately said: "No problem! At present, our Swiss gold market has close cooperation with South African suppliers and has more advantages than the London gold market. Mr. Lin, how much gold do you plan to invest?"

He first introduced the advantages of cooperation channels with South African suppliers - South Africa produces gold, diamonds and other minerals, but these things need to be transformed into currency before real trade can be carried out. Therefore, after gold is mined in South Africa, it will be supplied to the world, and now Zurich has become the main supply area.

Lin Zhichao said: "I plan to invest in batches and entrust you to purchase 70,000 to 100,000 ounces (2 to 3 tons, currently US$40.5 per ounce) every month. The gold will be deposited in your vault."

After speaking, he looked at Ralph calmly.

Even though Ralph is well-informed, this is the first time he has seen such a personal largest customer, who spends a full 2.8 to 4 million US dollars on gold every month.

Ralph quickly said: "No problem! We strive to provide a free and confidential environment for gold trading. In addition to South Africa's preferential supply to us, the Soviet Union also supplies us gold. At the same time, our special Swiss bank The system and auxiliary gold trading service system can provide the best channels and services for Mr. Lin’s future sales.”

Lin Zhichao also remembered that the Soviet Union also produced gold, and it turned out that it was liquidated from Switzerland.

After all, Switzerland at this time was still a neutral country.

Subsequently, the two parties discussed details such as handling fees and treasury usage fees. At the same time, Lin Zhichao also emphasized the importance of client confidentiality and he did not want to expose himself.

He does not want his information to be communicated even between the three banks in Switzerland.

In addition to seeking cooperation with three banks in Switzerland, London also plans to find a cooperation, plus Hong Kong's local gold investment, a total of "five". Each company buys about 2 to 3 tons of gold for him every month, which is about 10 to 15 tons every month.

In the past year and a half, the price of gold has been rising between 40 and 65 US dollars per ounce, so the average price is 1.8 to 2 million US dollars per ton, requiring a monthly expenditure of 20 to 30 million US dollars.

It just so happens that Universal Group's monthly profits for the past year and a half have been used in these investments.

In the first-class compartment of the train from London to Priscilla, Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun sat together, enjoying the beautiful scenery outside the window.

After entrusting three banks in Switzerland and one bank in London, Lin Zhichao met Tang Caiyun in London and headed to the port of Prismao.

Prestige is a port city on the back of England, where the British naval headquarters is located.

This time, Lin Zhichao made an appointment with Tang Caiyun and Audrey to go on vacation on the super yacht "Rising Sun". The "Rising Sun" was modified from the Shemara super yacht, which took 18 months.

"I've wronged you all these years. This time we will spend five days on vacation in Prismao!" Lin Zhichao said with a sigh, holding his wife's hand.

In the past, Lin Zhichao rarely traveled abroad with Tang Caiyun. The two of them would often be separated, leaving one person to take charge of Hong Kong. Things got better later, but Tang Caiyun still rarely went abroad over the years.

In terms of contribution to this family, she is naturally second only to Lin Zhichao. To some extent, she has contributed more than Lin Zhichao.

Tang Caiyun said gently: "There is no grievance! I think brother Zhichao has been working very hard to take care of us and arranged the family in a stable way. We are all united to achieve today's situation."

Today, the 'Lin family' is undoubtedly very stable. The family business is huge, the children have grown up, and the three veins form a 'triangle', which is the strongest mechanical relationship.

The eldest son Lin Ruihuan has joined Cheung Kong Holdings after working overseas for two years;

The second son Lin Ruijiang is also starting to prepare for his senior year in college (Cambridge). After graduating next year, he will join the Yangtze River Industrial Group and start as an ordinary employee;

The third son, Lin Ruihai, is also preparing to enter his senior year of college. Since he was born in 1952, he is preparing to study for a master's degree at Lin Zhichao's suggestion.

These three sons can actually inherit the family business at any time. After all, Lin Zhichao had already started his business at the age of 19.

The two talked about love and had a deep relationship. They have been together for more than 20 years, and they still love each other!

"Sorry, can you interrupt me?" A British man came to the two of them and said.

Lin Zhichao saw that he was a gentleman and quite a scholar, so he stood up politely and said, "Of course."

Next, the two exchanged names.

"My name is MacLehose, and I am an official from the British Foreign Office!"

"My name is Lin Zhichao, a businessman from Hong Kong. This is my wife, Ms. Tang Caiyun."

Both of them were very surprised!

MacLehose did not expect to meet the 'World Shipping King' today; and Lin Zhichao was also very surprised to find that he was the Hong Kong Governor who will be promoted to the post in November this year.

"Mr. MacLehose, it seems that I will soon call you Your Excellency the Governor of Hong Kong. I didn't expect that we would actually be in the same car and meet each other today!" Lin Zhichao sighed.

The Governor of Hong Kong is his ‘direct leader’ and also the ‘local emperor’ of Hong Kong, so he is quite important.

The British government announced MacLehose as the next Governor of Hong Kong at the beginning of the year, so of course Lin Chichao would know.

MacLehose smiled and said, "I didn't expect that either. I just thought you were Chinese. I didn't expect to meet Sir Lin in the end."

After being polite, the two sat down to talk in detail.

"Is Sir Lin's fleet really as large as the media said? 15 million tons!" After inviting MacLehose to sit down, he asked curiously.

Western media speculated that Universal Group controls 15 million tons of ships.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Just a lot more!"

MacLehose said in surprise: "Sir Lin's fleet is almost the tonnage of British merchant ships, far exceeding the Soviet Union. He is worthy of being the world's shipping king."

Afterwards, the two started chatting.

"Mr. Lam is saying that Hong Kong's economy has taken off and will soon join the ranks of developed regions?"

"Yes, there is no doubt about this. Hong Kong's tourism industry is also growing rapidly in shipping, trade, industry, finance and other fields. I have been to many countries and regions, and I feel that only Hong Kong has the greatest potential."

MacLehose nodded and said: "Mr. Lin is so optimistic about the prospects of Hong Kong's economy, but it seems that many things have happened in Hong Kong, such as..."

What he means is that the people of Hong Kong seem to be not doing well, not as well as Lin Zhichao said.

Lin Zhichao said: "After that incident, the Hong Kong government also did some work on people's livelihood. Overall, this is a process."

MacLehose immediately asked for advice: "Mr. Lin, you are a Hong Konger. What problems do you think Hong Kong still has that can change people's livelihood?"

Lin Zhichao said: "In general, of course it is to strengthen the meaning of the three words 'Hong Kong people'!"

"Oh, can you be more specific?"

"To put it simply, almost all Hong Kong people migrated from mainland China. In 1945, there were only 600,000 people in Hong Kong, and the number has reached 4 million. Many of these people still use Hong Kong as a temporary residence, and plan to immigrate overseas if they have the opportunity. I'm thinking about making these 4 million people have a stronger sense of belonging to 'Hong Kong people' and be proud of them. Of course, this requires the next Governor of Hong Kong to also have a sense of belonging to Hong Kong, rather than feeling that he has only been in office for a few years. Although he will do a lot of good things for Hong Kong during his tenure, he may lack long-term considerations."

MacLehose nodded and said, "That's true. This is probably a common problem among British Colonial Department officials!"

He openly criticized British Colonial Department officials because he was from the British Foreign Office and had never served as an official in the Colonial Department.

Lin Zhichao said: "Generally speaking, everything is good. Hong Kong people work hard and the Hong Kong government implements free economic non-interference. These are all good."

MacLehose asked: "There are always direct shortcomings in Hong Kong, right?"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Yes, that is because the JC system is corrupt, and the influence of the association has increased, and the two are fighting each other."

MacLehose asked curiously: "Mr. Lin also knows about these grassroots things?"

After all, the corruption of the JC system and the rise of social groups are not enough for these two groups in front of the "Sir" Lin Zhichao.

Lin Zhichao said: "Of course I am talking about this kind of thing as a Hong Kong citizen!"

MacLehose nodded and said, "Yes, to be honest, after talking a lot with Mr. Lin today, I suddenly can't wait for this appointment. Let's see you in November."

Lin Zhichao also said sincerely: "Mr. MacLehose is from the British Foreign Office. Coupled with your remarks today, I think Hong Kong can truly become a world metropolis under your leadership."

MacLehose quickly said modestly: "I will do my best to govern Hong Kong and live up to the expectations of Hong Kong people. If possible, I hope to inspect Mr. Lin's factory as soon as possible after taking office!"

"It's my pleasure!"

During the conversation just now, MacLehose asked how many workers Lin Zhichao's Yangtze River Industrial Group had.

It happened that "Transformers" was popular in Europe and the United States, so the number of workers in the Yangtze River Industrial Park reached about 20,000, which shocked MacLehose.

Lin Zhichao is not bragging. There are 7,000 workers producing Barbie dolls, 5,000 zippers, 4,000 Transformers, and 2,000 Midea electrical/electronic workers.