The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

On November 19, the new Hong Kong Governor MacLehose arrived in Hong Kong on a Cathay Pacific flight, and Hong Kong also opened a new chapter. Lin Zhichao was also invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of Governor MacLehose and the dinner.

In later generations, why do both Hong Kong citizens and mainland officials speak highly of MacLehose?

It is because MacLehose did many things that the Hong Kong governor failed to do, such as:

First, during the ten-year housing construction plan, more than 18 new public housing units were built in Hong Kong during MacLehose's tenure. On the other hand, Dong's 85,000 plan was aborted in later generations. It can be seen that MacLehose's governance level is very high.

Second, Hong Kong’s urban construction. During this period, a large number of new towns, urban sub-centers were born, and the construction of subways completely changed many problems in Hong Kong.

Third, the establishment of the Independent Commission Against Corruption has transformed Hong Kong from the most corrupt place in the world to the most clean place in the world. This is definitely a great achievement.

(Some people say that it is a department that specializes in dealing with Chinese people, but that is completely false. All the four major detectives have fled. More importantly, the ones who checked at the beginning were British-Chief Superintendent Gerber, Superintendent Hand, etc., all of them were arrested. Dang was imprisoned; more importantly, the subject of corruption was Chinese JC, and of course the Chinese were the most investigated)

"Sir Lin, this is the second time we meet so soon!" At the banquet, while communicating with everyone, MacLehose quickly walked to the table where Lin Zhichao and others were sitting.

"Your Excellency, Governor of Hong Kong, we are all looking forward to your new appointment and bringing a new atmosphere to our Hong Kong!" Lin Zhichao said while holding up his wine glass.

The people at the same table were all business tycoons, including banker representative He Shanheng, textile tycoon An Zijie (Chairman of the Federation of Industries, unofficial member of the Legislative Council), and garment and textile tycoon Tang Zhongyuan (justice of the peace, member of the Executive Council). Everyone was surprised. Lin Zhichao actually already knows the new Hong Kong governor.

But it’s normal when you think about it. The Hong Kong business community knows that Lin Zhichao has deep connections with governments overseas, so it’s not surprising that he knows MacLehose.

MacLehose said humorously: "Your table should employ tens of thousands of workers, right?"

Lin Zhichao looked back at his deskmate, then said with a smile: "I'm afraid it's close to 100,000!"

MacLehose said in surprise: "What a surprise!"

Afterwards, he greeted the Chinese business tycoons one by one.

At this time, Hong Kong's real estate businessmen are not yet on the "big stage". On the contrary, these industrialists are more valued by the Hong Kong government. Real estate developers’ influence on Hong Kong’s economy only happened after the 1980s.

After the dinner, Lin Zhichao and his father-in-law Tang Zhongyuan drove towards the Deep Water Bay residence in the same car.

"Zhichao, did you know Governor MacLehose before?" Tang Zhongyuan asked curiously.

Today at the dinner, MacLehose and Lin Zhichao showed a familiar relationship, which caught the attention of many people. Although it stands to reason that Lin Zhichao is Hong Kong's "Chinese leader" and "a knight conferred by the royal family", and it is normal for MacLehose to value Lin Zhichao; however, the relationship between the two seems to be familiar, which is a bit surprising.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "We met by chance on the train and we chatted for a while. Judging from his words and deeds, he is different from other Hong Kong governors, that is, he has never served in the Colonial Department, so I am very optimistic about him. Bringing better governance to Hong Kong.”

Tang Zhongyuan said: "It makes sense!"

Lin Zhichao then said: "Father-in-law, I will take you somewhere on the weekend!"

Tang Zhongyuan asked curiously: "Where?"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "An unexplored treasure land, you will know it when the time comes!"

When Tang Zhongyuan saw this, he could only suppress his curiosity and said, "Okay."

weekend.

Lin Zhichao took his family, and Tang Zhongyuan took his own family. The two families took a small yacht and came to the sea. They suddenly discovered a 212-foot (65-meter) long super yacht "Rising Sun".

After boarding the Rising Sun, everyone couldn't help but be amazed.

"Brother-in-law, your achievements in the field of shipping have long surpassed Onassis's; but I heard that In the early 1950s, Onassis owned a superyacht 'Christina' that was converted from a warship!" Tang Xianqian, the eldest wife's brother Said as a matter of course.

The wedding of his second sister and brother-in-law was held on the deck of the Victory Ship. It was in the early 1950s, and it was still fresh in his memory. It caused a great sensation at that time - Chinese people could also own ships of 10,000 tons.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "In the 1950s and 1960s, although I had a successful career, I didn't dare to relax at all. In addition, the people of Hong Kong were poor at that time. If I owned a super yacht like this, I would easily be scolded behind my back."

What he said was his true thoughts. In terms of strength, he could enjoy it like this in the early 1960s. Nowadays, Hong Kong's per capita GDP has reached over 8,000, and citizens can live a life without worries. Their mentality has also begun to change. Tycoons and rich people are more of an 'idol', and the era of 'everyone wants to be a tycoon' has arrived.

Everyone admired Lin Zhichao for being able to keep his composure and work calmly and low-key.

Afterwards, the two families sat down on the large deck. The Rising Sun superyacht is different from the superyachts of later generations. There is not much space, but the large deck is a very good feature, and it is even big enough to hold banquets. degree.

There are many family members in the two families, so it is not crowded at all.

There was a big table with everyone sitting together.

Tang Zhongyuan was very concerned about his grandson Lin Ruihuan's work and asked enthusiastically. Lin Ruihuan also answered his grandfather's questions respectfully.

When they arrived at Lantau Island, Lin Zhichao invited everyone to come to the edge of the deck and lean on the railing.

"Father-in-law, what do you think of this bay on Lantau Island?"

Tang Zhongyuan didn't know why and said: "This is a desert island. Although the scenery is beautiful, there is no prospect of developing a tourist area!"

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said: "My father-in-law's words are not far-sighted, but this is a very good geomantic omen. You have been flying abroad for many years, have you seen airports in the world? Why is Kai Tak Airport so small?"

Tang Zhongyuan was taken aback and said, "Are you saying that Kai Tak Airport could consider moving here in the future?"

Lin Zhichao said: "Not here, but on the other side. I think it is very suitable to build an airport on reclamation."

In fact, in the early 1980s, someone had mentioned building an airport on Lantau Island. It seems that Wu Yingxiang and Li Jiacheng of Hopewell jointly proposed an airport plan worth tens of billions.

Tang Zhongyuan said: "It is true that Hong Kong's airport is too small. If we build an airport on land here, it will be beneficial in the long run. Hey, Zhichao, are you saying that this bay has development prospects?"

The son-in-law would not take him to see this bay for no reason, and what would be the future?

Lin Zhichao did not hide anything and said: "Father-in-law, I privately named this bay 'Discovery Bay', and the area of ​​Lantau Island itself is larger than that of Hong Kong Island. This Discovery Bay has beautiful scenery and an unusually large area. If it takes decades, As a result, developing a large resort-like community with low residential density will undoubtedly give people a sense of accomplishment.”

Tang Zhongyuan suddenly became excited and looked at Discovery Bay on the yacht, fearing that he would miss an inch of land.

After a long time, he said: "There is no water, no electricity, no roads. Everything has to start from the beginning, just like a baby. It is really difficult to slowly take care of him as he grows up. This project is indeed very difficult. Zhichao, do you miss us?" If the two companies cooperate, I am willing!"

If it is a cooperation, he will participate in every case. The first is out of trust in his son-in-law, and the second is that this project has the potential to succeed.

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said: "If the two companies cooperate, after decades of success of this project, will it belong to your Tang family or our Lin family? My idea is that if my father-in-law intends to develop this project, he can conduct careful research and investigation. Make your decision again.”

Tang Zhongyuan looked at Discovery Bay again and said: "If this project is developed over decades and divided into many phases, if it succeeds, it will be a great achievement and a symbol of the family." His eyes were already full of desire.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Isn't it? It's just like my naval dock, which is developed step by step! Of course, if my father-in-law is interested, he can contact the Hong Kong government next year; in the later stage, our Yangtze River Industrial Group can participate in certain phases of real estate projects ’, it’s up to you to do the overall planning, I can give you some advice, it’s okay. Hotels, shopping malls, marinas, and golf courses are all a large low-density community that can accommodate 20,000 to 30,000 people.”

Why doesn't he develop it himself?

In fact, this project is too long, so he might as well just make some money from a few of the projects.

Tang Zhongyuan nodded seriously and said, "I'll come and inspect it carefully later!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "If my father-in-law doesn't do it, I will do it!"

The implication is that this project will definitely make money in the long run.

Tang Zhongyuan said with a smile: "Then I will definitely do it. This is a big gift from me today!"

Lin Zhichao said: "We are all one family, my father-in-law is so polite!"

The juniors on both sides couldn't help but marvel at the hugeness of this project, the long development cycle, and the huge amount of funds.

Tang Zhongyuan looked at Discovery Bay and sighed: "I am 65 years old this year. I don't know if I can complete this project in my lifetime!"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Of course I hope that my father-in-law will live to be over 100 years old, but this project will indeed be inherited by his father. It will be a major project for two generations. The basic planning can be planned until the late 1970s. I am afraid that the first phase will not be completed until the end of the 1970s." It's the early 1980s, and each issue can span several years. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to do this well if I didn't have 40 years of hard work."

Tang Zhongyuan turned to Tang Xianqian and Tang Youqian and said, "Did you hear what my brother-in-law said? Do you think this project can be done?"

Tang Xianqian said: "I support my father's idea!"

Tang Youqian said quickly: "I am willing to assist father to accomplish this!"

The eldest son means that although he is in charge of the group's textile and garment business, he is willing to support this real estate project; the younger son means that he is in charge of the real estate business and is willing to assist his father in this important matter.

Tang Zhongyuan said with satisfaction: "Then don't forget that this project was given to our family by your brother-in-law! In the future, we must give priority to cooperation with your brother-in-law!"

"Thank you brother-in-law"

Lin Zhichao waved his hand and said with a smile: "What do you say about whether to give it away or not? It's not like this. Don't tell me. Let's sit down!"

He just needs to earn money from a few development projects. After all, the Tang family needs long-term planning and infrastructure construction, so the upfront investment is quite large.

New week.

In the office of Cheung Kong Holdings, Lin Zhichao was discussing securities investment with Zhou Fuzhao and Chen Zhiyuan. Although securities investment is now the investment of 'Weigang Real Estate', after all, the Yangtze River Industrial Group has not been listed, so it doesn't hurt for Zhou Fuzhao to participate.

"Boss, the Hang Seng Index has dropped below 300 points. Do you want to enter the factory?" Chen Zhiyuan said with admiration.

This boss is really a master of the stock market. In this round of "big drop", he actually succeeded in "selling high and buying low". In late October, the Hang Seng Index fell from its highest point of 410 to today's 298 points, a plunge of nearly 30%.

Lin Zhichao said: "Have the two cooperating securities firms communicated well?"

Chen Zhiyuan nodded and said: "They already understand the precautions for cooperation. There will be no mistakes, and I will personally supervise them."

The most important basis for cooperation is confidentiality and financial security.

At present, the Hong Kong stock market does not deliver on the spot. Generally, if you buy a stock, it will be delivered to you three days later. Many people take advantage of this loophole to conduct leveraged transactions and illegal short selling.

Because of this, during the 1973 stock market crash, many people lost their money.

"Okay, then, buy all the funds for ten trading days. The stocks are still the same stocks, there is nothing to choose from!"

"No problem, I'll make arrangements right away!"

After Chen Zhiyuan left, Lin Zhichao said to Zhou Fuzhao: "The stock market is a good thing. It can quickly help companies develop and grow. After we go public next year, the funds raised will be used to acquire sites; if the stock market is strong, with the influence of Yangtze River Industrial Group, we will With no less welcome than the British-owned foreign companies, we can then issue new shares to buy sites or stocks of other listed companies. Through this model, the snowball is getting bigger and bigger, and the scale of the Yangtze River Industrial Group is getting bigger and bigger. "

Zhou Fuzhao said happily: "The boss's analysis is right! Hong Kong people blindly worship British capital and pursue their stock investments, but that is because our Cheung Kong Holdings Group has not been listed. By then, everyone will definitely pursue our stocks. In this way, we The scale of fundraising will be larger and development will be faster.”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "The problem now is to slowly turn the land in my hands into the Yangtze River Industrial Group. In short, your finance department must pay attention to the work of the stock market and make full use of it."

"Ok, I see!"

The reserve land in the hands of the boss needs to be liquidated; and the Yangtze River Industrial Group also needs to increase the land reserve in its hands.

This is a matter of mutual benefit from cooperation!

Of course, the issuance of new shares will also reduce Lin Zhichao's shareholding, but when Lin Zhichao went public, his stake was a full 75%, which does not need to be that high at all. Diluting his shares through large-scale fund-raising, and purchasing his site by the Yangtze River Industrial Group is also a way to cash out.

As for increasing the shareholding, it can be left to the end of 1974.

evening.

After Lin Zhichao got off work, he drove to Aberdeen. When he arrived at the pier, someone was already waiting for him.

"Sir Lin"

"Liwen, have you been waiting for a long time?"

"No, I chatted with Xiao Linsheng for a while, and then you came!"

"Okay, let's get on the boat together!"

"please"

Tonight, Lin Zhichao hosted a banquet for Liao Liewen and asked Lin Zhihao to accompany him. The venue was Taibai Seafood Restaurant.

A group of people took a modern mooring boat and boarded the Taibai Seafood Restaurant, which was more than ten years old.

Last month, more than 30 people were burned to death here, but by now it was so busy that the tragic scene had long been forgotten.

"Sir Lin, President Liao, Xiao Linsheng!" Wong Lo Kat was already waiting.

Lin Zhichao took the lead and said: "Let's go to the private room to talk!"

"Sir Sir Lin please"

After a while, everyone came to a private room, which was a small private room separated by wood.

After all, this boat is only 50 meters long and has three floors. It is a Chinese-style painting boat.

This gathering was naturally about the acquisition of Taibai Seafood Restaurant Enterprise, and Lin Zhichao called Liao Liewen. In addition to being prepared to ask Liao Chuangxing Bank to provide loans, there was also the fact that Liao Liewen was the president of the Chaoshan Chamber of Commerce, and Wang Laoji was an old man of the Chaoshan Chamber of Commerce. intermediary.

"Wang Sheng, we brothers are also very surprised about what happened last month, and we feel sorry for you. After all, we are about to open for business, and this kind of thing happened." Lin Zhichao said calmly.

‘Hey’ Wang Laoji sighed, and then said: “Time is also destiny! I just feel ashamed of the trust of so many families and shareholders.”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "The matter is over, we must look forward to everything!"

Wong Lo Kat nodded and said: "Sir Sir Lin is right!"

After the food was served, everyone talked casually and did not get into the topic immediately.

Wang Laoji said: "I am also in the catering industry. Xiao Linsheng's Café de Coral fast food has really amazing development. It seems that people who are close to Zhu are better. Xiao Linsheng can also learn three points of skills with a brother like Sir Lin, laugh. Proud of the business community!”

Lin Zhihao said quickly: "Wang Sheng, you are too generous. I haven't learned even 10% of your skills, so I don't dare to take it!"

Afterwards, everyone started talking about catering.

Liao Liewen wasn't sure why Lin Zhichao asked him out today, but as long as it was Lin Zhichao's date, he would definitely go through fire and water. Lin Zhichao was Liao's benefactor and his father's friend. The two families had a good relationship.

He had always called Lin Zhichao "Uncle Lin", but Lin Zhichao later felt that it didn't make sense. Although he was two years older than Liao Liewen, he looked younger than Liao Liewen. To correct it, I am usually called "Lin Sheng", and on some occasions, I am called "Sir Lin".

Lin Zhichao took the initiative to talk about business: "Li Wen, I invite you here this time because I want to introduce my cousin to you. Of course, he also has something to discuss with you two."

Liao Liewen nodded and said, "Xiao Linsheng, please speak!"

Lin Zhihao quickly organized his thoughts and said: "That's it! Our Café de Coral currently has 12 stores, but I want to list it, so today I asked my cousin to invite two people. The first is to get the support of Liao Chong Hing Bank, and the second is to get support from Liao Chong Hing Bank. Secondly, I would like to ask Mr. Wang if he is willing to transfer this Taibai Seafood Restaurant so that we, Café de Coral, can continue to invest in the ‘Jumbo Seafood Restaurant’.”

I see!

Liao Liewen said: "Can 12 fast food restaurants and a painting boat be approved for listing?"

Lin Zhihao had already prepared and said: "There are also Fulin Hotel and some properties. Generally speaking, 20 million assets are enough to be listed. Our assets are still much more than that. Welcome Liao Sheng to inspect our company!"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Li Wen, I can guarantee this loan!"

Liao Liewen immediately said: "Now that Sir Lin has guaranteed it, of course I feel relieved. Liao Chong Hing Bank is willing to cooperate to prepare for the listing of Café de Coral and provide loans!"

With Lin Zhichao's guarantee, or even a verbal promise, he was already very relieved.

Here, Wang Laoji is also thinking!

After a long while, he said: "Anyway, I don't have the strength to build another Zhenbaofang ship, so it doesn't matter if I transfer it to Xiao Linsheng."

Lin Zhihao immediately said: "Thank you Wang Shengquan!"

Afterwards, everyone stopped talking about details and started chatting.

Lin Zhihao couldn't help but sigh in his heart, with his cousin as his backer, these interpersonal relationships were quickly opened up. Especially the relationship with the bank, the water supply was turned on almost immediately, and it was very easy for Café de Coral to get a fast food loan.

Even Wong Lo Kat could see that it was to give face to Lin Zhichao. Otherwise, Lin Zhihao, a junior, would have had a hard time taking over, or would have been easily ripped off.