The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

A month later, the Hong Kong government readily accepted the plans of Victoria Harbor Real Estate and Cheung Kong Holdings - the Hong Kong government received a large amount of vacant land, while Victoria Harbor Real Estate and Cheung Kong Group received "special care" from the Hong Kong government - commercial land area ratio, subway stand.

Of course, in the eyes of people who don't know why, Lin Zhichao is doing charity by donating a large amount of vacant land to the Hong Kong government; some people also speculate that Lin Zhichao was unable to develop the remaining land and it was forcibly confiscated by the Hong Kong government.

In short, the business structure of the former site of the Navy Ship King has basically been determined:

The Connaught Road Central plot houses the Shangri-La Hotel and Far East Financial Center Tower AB, with a total of three buildings and a commercial building with a total property area of ​​nearly 2 million square feet;

The Queensway land contains two office buildings (under planning) and one Raffles City (shopping mall), totaling 1.2 million square feet of commercial buildings;

Victoria Arms Land is a commercial complex with a total area of ​​300,000 square feet. It is a commercial complex with a large shopping mall and four skyscrapers (office buildings, hotels, and serviced apartments). The area ratio is as high as 16.8. It is expected to be Construction of commercial buildings of 5 million square feet.

At the same time, Victoria Harbor Real Estate sold the "Changjiang Plaza" site to Cheung Kong Group for HKD 300 million, which was also approved by the Cheung Kong Board of Directors. There was no problem with this transaction, even Lin Zhichao personally suffered a lot.

Of course, the various good news of Cheung Kong Holdings still cannot stimulate the stock price, and the market value is only 40% of its peak, or 4.8 billion Hong Kong dollars.

This is related to the general environment of the Hong Kong stock market. The Hang Seng Index is only over 500 points, down about 1,300 points from its peak.

The stock market at this time: Many hot blue-chip stocks have fallen by at least 75%, or only one-sixth of their peak; as for some penny stocks that are considered "mosquitoes and flies", they are even more "devastated" some have no business at all, even the signboards have fallen into the ground floor, and people have almost forgotten their existence.

Cheung Kong Group, conference room.

Lin Zhichao is having a meeting with senior executives to discuss the group's subsequent development.

It is estimated that the cash flow that Cheung Kong Group can use this year is HK$500 million. Now it costs HK$300 million to purchase the "Changjiang Plaza" site, and there is still a cash flow of HK$200 million.

At the same time, both banks and Lin Zhichao can lend money to the Cheung Kong Group at any time; the debt of the Cheung Kong Group is only HK$50 million, which is frighteningly low.

Of course, waiting until next year is a good time to buy at the bottom, so it’s also a time to spend money aggressively.

"The Raffles City project will start construction in the first half of next year. Are there any problems?"

Lin Ruihuan was allowed to attend today, so he was well prepared, and then said seriously: "No problem, we have obtained approval from the Planning Department and other government departments, and are preparing to start construction. The construction period of this shopping mall is three and a half years, and it is expected to be completed in 1977 It will open in the second half of the year.”

Afterwards, he distributed the final plan materials to senior executives for review and discussion.

Raffles City has a total of five floors, with approximately 40,000 square feet of floor space each time, and a total of 200,000 square feet of shopping mall. The three floors above ground and two floors below ground are all opened up into boutiques and restaurants of different styles. The center (indoor) of the square can host various performances - fashion, music, exhibitions. There are coffee galleries and teahouses around it, and the roof is covered There is fiberglass that transmits light.

Liang Guangchang said: "If the office buildings on both sides are built, this area will become a prosperous commercial center on its own. There will be luxury five-star hotels, office buildings, shopping malls, and connected to the subway. It will have unlimited prospects."

Lin Ruihuan immediately said: "The construction of the two buildings of Victoria Harbor Real Estate is expected to start in the second half of next year and will be completed one after another after 1978. Before the arrival of the 1980s, this place will definitely be able to become a commercial and prosperous center."

The senior executives saw that Lin Ruihuan was calm and measured, otherwise such a large project could still gain everyone's trust, and they immediately understood that there was someone to succeed the boss.

At this time, Huang Changhong proposed: "Chairman, in view of Lin Ruihuan's outstanding performance, I propose that he join the company's board of directors, serve as executive director, and continue to be responsible for the Raffles City project."

For a time, senior executives all praised Lin Ruihuan.

In fact, 24-year-old Lin Ruihuan has long been qualified to join the board of directors, and he will be eligible when it goes public. After all, his resume is very good. He graduated from Harvard at the age of 20, spent 3 years planning the Hyatt Regency Hotel in New York (counted as a year of school), 1 year assisting the listing of Cheung Kong Group, and 1 year planning Raffles City and the office buildings on both sides. These are real achievements.

Faced with this situation, Lin Ruihuan neither declined nor agreed. Instead, he remained silent and waited for his father to speak.

"Okay, since all the uncles and uncles recognize him as a kid, let's propose it to the board of directors later!"

"Thank you, Chairman, thank you uncles!"

Lin Ruihuan immediately expressed his official position, without too many empty words, just a serious attitude.

The Fourth Middle East War broke out in early October.

At the beginning, people did not realize that this war would have a huge impact on the world - the oil crisis.

Then things changed on October 16, when OPEC decided to raise oil prices; on October 17, the Arab oil-producing countries in the Middle East decided to reduce oil production and impose an oil embargo on Western developed capitalist countries.

At this time, most of the oil used by major capitalist countries, especially Western Europe and Japan, came from the Middle East. A large part of the oil used by the United States also came from the Middle East. Oil price increases and embargoes immediately caused economic chaos in Western countries.

As an energy input city with no oil production, Hong Kong will naturally not be immune to the impact of this crisis. Hong Kong’s annual demand is about 3 million tons of various petroleum products (various types of diesel and gasoline), and its suppliers are six British and American oil companies.

In the office of Global Building, Lin Zhichao is sitting at his desk relatively leisurely.

Unlike other entrepreneurs, he does not need to do a lot of research and think hard to decide the direction of the company's development. To put it simply, Buffett can achieve a compound interest model with an annual return of more than 20% without reading the financial statements of many companies every day.

With the memory in his mind and the large scale of the company, he doesn't need to work too hard.

"Boss, the international crude oil price has risen to 5.5 US dollars per barrel!" Feng Yongfa walked in happily and reported.

Lin Zhichao said nonchalantly: "This is just the beginning, let's not rush to it!"

Feng Yongfa nodded and said: "What the boss said makes sense! We now have a total of 36 fully loaded oil tankers parked in various ports in Asia. Everything is kept confidential."

The so-called confidentiality is only relative. The sailors knew that the ship was filled with crude oil, but they did not know which oil company the crude oil belonged to.

Lin Zhichao warned: "We must pay attention to safety and confidentiality. If nothing happens, it is possible to double the price in another month. And our batch of crude oil will be sold next year, ideally to Western Europe and Japan." , you can earn not only crude oil money, but also transportation money, which can be said to kill two birds with one stone.”

In fact, before this, the transportation cost of oil tankers was almost the same as that of crude oil. In the past, a ton of crude oil cost 14 to 20 US dollars, and the price of oil transportation (route from the Middle East to Europe, America, and Japan) was almost more than 10 US dollars.

Things are different now. Oil prices have skyrocketed, and soon a ton of oil will cost around US$80. Shipping costs will fall, and the gap between the two will suddenly widen.

"Okay, I'll supervise these tankers myself!"

"Um"

At this time, Global Group had already put all its oil tankers on long-term lease, and the rents could be extended to after 1978, thus avoiding losses in the next year.

In fact, only Hong Kong shipowners in the world have suffered less losses in this crisis because Hong Kong shipowners are more conservative and mostly charter long-term charters. Therefore, in the past year, the business of European routes and American routes has plummeted, and freight rates have plummeted. In fact, It is an opportunity for Hong Kong shipowners.

noon.

Lin Zhichao came to the Far East Financial Center, and Zhao Yazhi's Delta Investment replaced it with a 1,500-square-foot office space with a monthly rent of HK$6,500 and an annual rent of HK$90,000.

"Lin Sheng, you're here, the boss is in the office!" Zhao Yazhi's assistant A Jing's eyes lit up and she reacted immediately.

Delta Investment still has two employees - Ah Jing, Ah Fang, and then the boss Zhao Yazhi. In fact, they have not had much work to do recently.

Lin Zhichao nodded and opened the door of Zhao Yazhi's office.

Zhao Yazhi stood up in surprise, then left her office and walked towards Lin Zhichao.

Today, Zhao Yazhi has an outstanding appearance and has become a strong woman in the workplace. Pair high heels with professional attire, and a confident pace and face that make you look so elegant.

The white shirt was raised high. This woman had completed her secondary growth, from B to C, and her figure was just right. Women, indeed, must be well developed to be more beautiful.

"Brother Chao, you are here!"

"Well, it seems you guys are listening in peace!"

Zhao Yazhi held Lin Zhichao's arm and said, "Yes! But we are studying hard and waiting for Brother Chao's orders. We can obey at any time!"

Playful yet charming, with a young woman's temperament and a girl's appearance, this is Lin Zhichao's contribution.

Lin Zhichao visited the office, which was almost 300 square feet. The decorations were more girlish, including bouquets and bonsai.

Then, he sat in Zhao Yazhi's seat, leaned on the chair, and raised his corners directly on the desk, as if he was the master here. Of course, there is no need to question this.

“What are the current assets of Delta Investments?”

Zhao Yazhi stood next to Lin Zhichao, letting a big hand feel the grace of the silk stockings on her thigh, and said softly: "With 13 million in cash, the gold already worth 2.6 million has fallen a little, otherwise the value 2.8 million Hong Kong dollars."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "That thing is just for fun, don't take it seriously! Now, I order you to start expanding Delta Investment and recruit some real estate talents, both male and female employees, preferably male employees."

Zhao Yazhi quickly sat in Lin Zhichao's arms, put her arms around his neck, and said happily: "Brother Chao, are we planning something big?"

Lin Zhichao was enjoying the happiness of being young and said in a good mood: "Yes, have you seen the newspaper? There is a war in the Middle East, oil prices have skyrocketed, and more importantly, it may lead to an oil crisis. As a result, real estate will have a downward trend, so starting from this year Starting from the end of the year, Delta Investment began to enter the real estate industry, purchasing properties for rent collection. From now on, you will be a renter!"

Zhao Yazhi said: "Then you are the biggest charterer in Hong Kong!"

Lin Zhichao didn't mind this statement, but asked curiously: "You have become rich in the past two years, what do your family think?"

Zhao Yazhi couldn't help but give Lin Zhichao a roll of his eyes, and then said: "Brother Chao, you finally asked this question! I have been your lover for more than a year, and this is the first time you care about my family!"

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "I don't want to care about this kind of thing. You have to handle it yourself! Besides, being my lover doesn't count as burying you?"

Zhao Yazhi immediately nodded and said, "Don't hide it. They were so happy when they heard that I was your lover. They just wanted to ask me for money! I couldn't bear to part with it. All the money is mine." The woman said. These things are endless.

Generally speaking, Zhao Yazhi's family had no objection when they heard that she was Lin Zhichao's lover. The only thing they wanted was that Zhao Yazhi could get more money.

After figuring out the whole story, Lin Zhichao vaccinated Zhao Yazhi and said: "I have carefully trained you, not just for fun, but also for you to give me children in the future. Therefore, your wealth is actually our future." The child’s wealth, so you decide how much to give to whom.”

Zhao Yazhi was overjoyed, and then she leaned on Lin Zhichao's shoulder and said, "Brother Chao, can I really be pregnant with your child?"

Lin Zhichao felt the warmth with his hands and said affirmatively: "Okay, we will consider it in another year or two. But there is one thing, you can only be my lover for the rest of your life, and these children will not get any share of the Lin family's property in the future."

It has been said very well!

But Zhao Yazhi still said: "I know, I am willing." She lowered her posture and hugged Lin Zhichao's arms to express her love and submission.

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "Of course! Nothing is absolute. Although I will not give my property to you and our future children, but don't forget my investment level. I dare not say anything else. When our child is born, Delta will The investment wealth has doubled several times, but it is not certain. In short, I will guarantee you by guiding you to invest or give you some pocket money."

"Well, thank you, Brother Chao. Brother Chao, let me warm you up."

For a moment, Zhao Yazhi took the initiative.

In the future, when Delta has more investors, this kind of thing can no longer be done. After all, Zhao Yazhi also wants to save face when he is the boss.

In the office building of Victoria Harbor Center, the first high-level meeting was held after the merger of Victoria Harbor Investment and Victoria Harbor Real Estate, including the former president of Victoria Harbor Investment Chris, the vice president Li Zhonghe, the original president of Victoria Harbor Real Estate Chen Zhiyuan, and the newly joined Lin Zhichao Brother-in-law Lin Benfeng is both in the senior ranks of a new company, Victoria Harbor Investment.

In the new company, Chris still serves as vice president of global business, Li Zhonghe serves as vice president and financial officer, Chen Zhiyuan serves as president of the global real estate department, and Lin Benfeng serves as Asia investment president. Lin Zhichao himself still serves as president. He is accustomed to serving as the top leader of important companies.

Among them, the one who received the most attention from Lin Zhichao was Li Zhonghe, the former financial manager of Universal Group. He was transferred by Lin Zhichao to invest in Victoria Harbor and was mainly responsible for the security of funds. Li Zhonghe is doing very well in international financial business, and he is a veteran of more than 20 years, so he is completely trustworthy.

"Next year, no matter what industry will be affected by the oil crisis, there will be a sharp decline, so at least before the end of the year, no investment will be made. Therefore, any investment matters of Victoria Harbor Investment must be approved by my opinion. You can take the opportunity to organize various departments Construction and cooperation between them. In the later stage, we need to invest in the US stock market, Japanese stock market, Hong Kong stock market, as well as rent-collecting properties in Manhattan and Tokyo. Everyone must be prepared."

All the senior executives said "yes" one after another. Their admiration for the boss was beyond words, especially Chris. In his opinion, the boss had escaped every crisis, and the stock gods on Wall Street were not enough to compare with the boss.

At this time, Victoria Harbor Investment owns:

Cash flow of 720 million U.S. dollars, gold worth about 600 million U.S. dollars, Hong Kong rental properties worth billions of Hong Kong dollars (the Victoria Harbor Center alone is worth more than 500 million Hong Kong dollars, as well as many buildings in Central and the Star Plaza in Tsim Sha Tsui and many properties), HK$1.88 billion in cash (cash out of the stock market, sale of naval dock land, etc.).

The total assets are about 13 billion Hong Kong dollars, or about 2.2 billion US dollars.

In other words, Victoria Harbor Investment has become Lin Zhichao’s most important asset; followed by Global Group, with a total value of approximately US$2 billion, and Lin Zhichao’s assets of approximately US$1.8 billion; and then followed by Cheung Kong Group and Changgong Group, with assets worth approximately US$2 billion. None of them are high, just a few hundred million dollars per group; finally, there are Shangri-La Hotel Group, Uniqlo Group, and Media Group.

Chris then said: "We will take advantage of this period to further invest in U.S. stocks through offshore, diversified, and safe comprehensive work."

He has been with Lin Zhichao for more than ten years. In fact, his wealth is enough for him to retire. However, Chris is not yet fifty years old. In addition, the master and servant are very happy to cooperate, so they can continue to cooperate for another ten years.

Although Chris is an American, he has already surrendered to Lin Zhichao. After all, Lin Zhichao's salary was high enough and his personality charm won him over.

Afterwards, everyone discussed various details. Lin Zhichao was also very demanding, and the assets here were very important.

If it is said that the companies under his control are planned to be slowly handed over before retirement;

But he will never hand over the Victoria Harbor investment until his death. Even if he wants to set up a "family office" in the future, he will always hold it tightly in his hands.

After all, money is a man's courage, and Lin Zhichao can play and learn until he is old, how can he easily hand over his "core power". The important thing is that his children and grandchildren have already obtained the business he created, so there is no need to rush for more.