The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 122 [Enhanced Type]

In the evening, the Lin and Tang families had dinner at a high-end restaurant.

Tang Zhongyuan introduced Harvest's second South African customer, vividly, and his joy was beyond words.Because these customers are all big customers, one order is almost one or two months last year. The Scott family alone has expanded the scale of Changjiang Garment Factory by [-]%.

To be honest, garment factories in Hong Kong were generally developed only in the late 50s.The former Lixin Garment Factory was not able to purchase a three-story industrial factory building on Castle Peak Road until the early 60s.This also illustrates a problem. The money earned from opening a garment factory in the 50s may not necessarily outweigh the land and factory buildings.

Changjiang Garment Factory currently has an annual profit of around 20 yuan. It is not very profitable, but it is the largest garment factory in Hong Kong, and it is also an earlier garment factory. In the past, there were mostly tailor shops. The newly established garment factory this year is relatively low. many.

"Father-in-law, how much cash is in the account of Changjiang Garment Factory?"

Tang Zhongyuan said with a smile: "You are also a big shareholder. You don't even know how much money you have. Since the opening of the factory, we have invested a total of 60 Hong Kong dollars, all of which are out of our own pockets and have not moved the money in the account. So we In the early days of the year, I made a total of 17.5 Hong Kong dollars, mainly due to the rapid increase after receiving orders from South Africa."

Lin Zhichao did not check the account, but paid a full 45 Hong Kong dollars.With a total investment of 60 Hong Kong dollars, Xiangjiang Garment Factory is the only one. Garment factories in this era are almost all family factories with an investment of tens of thousands or even thousands of Hong Kong dollars.

For example, for a garment factory with more than 100 employees, an investment of [-] yuan is enough.

"Father-in-law, I think so. Let's inject another 5 Hong Kong dollars into it. Take out 20 Hong Kong dollars and buy some advanced Singer sewing machines. It's best to act immediately."

Tang Zhongyuan was taken aback for a moment, and said, "Half of the machines in the warehouse are not moving!"

Although he knew that Changjiang Garment Factory, which has a new type of electric car clothing, has an advantage when taking orders from South Africa; but after all, the current scale is enough to deal with it, not to mention that if you have money, you are afraid that you will not be able to buy machines, so why rush for a while? Woolen cloth!

Lin Zhichao could only say: "I know, but there is a big opportunity behind the Yangtze River Garment Factory, we need to be willing to invest first, this time we will invest the 20 Hong Kong dollars first, anyway, we will earn back soon."

Tang Zhongyuan no longer objected, after all he could afford to invest, and his son-in-law had always had a vicious vision.

"Okay, I'll order from them right away!"

Because we have already cooperated once, there is no need to go to the United States for inspection.

Lin Zhichao nodded in satisfaction, and said, "Don't worry, Hong Kong's garment industry must be dominated by our son-in-law Weng."

"Haha, I have confidence too!"

Weng and his son-in-law quickly started drinking, and their relationship was like buddies. The relationship between the two families is naturally very good. After all, Lin Zhichao is going to be the son-in-law of the Tang family again.

When Lin Baixin found out that Changjiang Garment Factory had adopted the most advanced Singer sewing machines and won an order from South Africa, he immediately understood where he had lost.

However, he couldn't think of a way for a while, because he only had a cash flow of less than [-] Hong Kong dollars.

Lin Baixin immigrated to Hong Kong in 1945, and initially worked as a clothing salesman. Later, she opened the Shing Fook Weaving Factory on Un Chau Street in Sham Shui Po. It was not until the beginning of this year that she took over the Lai Xin Garment Factory.The Lixin Garment Factory was established before the war, and it was just a small garment factory at that time.

Therefore, the financial strength made Lin Baixin anxious!
"Husband, I know you want to buy new machines to make up the gap. But there is no need to rush. There are hundreds of garment factories in Hong Kong, but only a few can adopt new machines. As long as you have the perseverance , I can realize my wish soon, half a year or a year, it won't affect too much."

Lin Baixin suddenly realized that he was too impatient. He didn't know what was going on, and he always thought that he should get the order from South Africa; it was because of this that he was so worried.

However, in fact, he has just entered the garment industry for less than half a year, although he entered the textile industry very early.

And anyway, with a market as big as South Africa, more customers will choose to place orders in Hong Kong in the future, and then there will be another opportunity.

"Baozhu, it's my good fortune to be able to marry you. Alright, let's work hard to make money and strive to be able to replace Singer's new sewing machines next year."

After the two of them made love to each other in the small room, they walked out of the gate and regained their glory.

At this time, Lin Baixin had two businesses, one Chengfu Weaving Factory and the other Lixin Garment Factory. After marrying Yu Baozhu, Lin Baixin felt that she had a powerful helper.

Of course, what Lin Baixin didn't know was that if Lin Zhichao hadn't appeared, Hong Kong might only have Lixin Garment Factory to undertake orders from South Africa, so this became a big opportunity for Lin Baixin and won the title of "King of Africa".

Without a large number of orders from South Africa, it would be difficult for Lixin Garment Factory to become the "four major ready-to-wear families", because this piece of meat is very fat.

At the same time, the United States will soon prohibit the export of machines to Hong Kong, and it will be difficult for machines to be exported to Europe and the United States at the end of the year. At that time, Hong Kong's garment factories will fall into a situation of "no advanced new sewing machines". Before the mid-50s, it was not considered to have great potential.

Of course, this is only one part of the process. After all, the textile industry needs the accumulation of technology to enter Europe and the United States, and Europe and the United States restrict the Japanese textile industry before Hong Kong will take over.

Before that, the markets everyone dreamed of were Indonesia and South Africa.As for Southeast Asia, it is originally the market of Hong Kong. (Indonesia is separately distinguished due to population and other reasons)

In late May, Lin Zhichao came to London again and found the ship broker Willis.

When we met, Willis didn't ask questions. It seems that Williamson's company did not disclose the buyer's information last time. The reason is very simple. Williamson was also worried about offending the intermediary because of the direct transaction with the client.

Lin Zhichao came to Willis this time, but he cooperated sincerely because he felt that Willis was one of the few honest brokers among ship brokers.The last time I spoke freely about the shortcomings of Liberty Wheel is the best proof.

At the same time, Willis's sincerity in hospitality is what Lin Zhichao values ​​more.

In the next ten years, Lin Zhichao may have to deal with second-hand ships. Although he will also build new ships in the late 50s, second-hand ships will be the main force of global shipping throughout the 50s.

Therefore, if Willis is worthy of cooperation, there are many opportunities for both parties.Even, Lin Zhichao may not come to Europe later, and entrust the executives and Willis.

"Lin, did you buy a boat last time?" Willis asked enthusiastically.

"I bought it!" Lin Zhichao replied truthfully.

"Congratulations! This time you are here, maybe you need to buy a ship again, then you are really amazing!" Willis only has customers in his eyes, regardless of skin color, and is very sincere.

Seeing this, Lin Zhichao also said generously: "Yes, this time I need to buy two more 8000-10000-ton cargo ships, which can be fired with coal or oil!"

Coal-burning ships are still very common in this era, after all, they are ships in their 30s and [-]s.

At this time, the global shipping has more than 100 million US dollars in hand, and the two ships are no problem.

The last two freewheels were purely leaks, and soon the freewheels will shine in the 50s, proving that their performance is very good.

"No problem! Coincidentally, I have a lot of ship sources in my hand, this time I guarantee you to fancy it."

Later, Lin Zhichao looked at the information and found that some ships were indeed very good, mainly because of the good price.For example, an 8600-ton (load) coal-fired cargo ship was built by a famous shipyard in Glasgow. It was built in 1928 and is only 22 years old (not too old for Lin Zhichao).

Glasgow is the third largest city in the United Kingdom, the largest industrial and commercial city and port in Scotland, and the center of the British shipbuilding industry. There are dozens of shipyards along the banks of the Clyde River.

The price is also very good, only 17.1 pounds (47.88 US dollars) including agency fees.Generally speaking, the agency fee is about 5%; if you buy a European ship in Hong Kong, the agency fee will be 5-10%.

When Lin Zhichao saw a "Victory Ship" for sale, his eyes couldn't help jumping. How could such a ship be in the hands of the British?
"Did the Americans sell this victory ship to foreign shipping companies?" Lin Zhichao asked directly.

Willis was happy to answer these questions: "Of course, at the beginning of 1948, the United States sold a total of 98 Victory ships to foreign companies, including the British Cunard Company, Holland American Shipping Company, Argentine International Shipping Company, and South African Shipping. Another 20 ships were leased to the U.S. Army, and all the rest were leased to the U.S. Navy. You know, the United States built a total of 570 Victory ships, and there were almost 400 Victory ships after the war."

Lin Zhichao nodded. He knew that compared with the free wheel, the victory wheel is simply an enhanced type; the first is the short board of the free wheel—speed, while the victory type is much faster, which can reach 15~18 knots; secondly, the cargo capacity , a Liberty ship can carry 5000~9000 tons (depending on the cargo), while a Victory ship can carry 12000~15000 tons; the last is the cost, a Liberty ship costs 180 million US dollars, and a Victory ship costs It is 250 million US dollars.

"Why would Cunard sell such a good ship?" Lin Zhichao asked curiously.

Willis was taken aback for a moment, and then realized that Lin Zhichao had already guessed the owner, but he was not worried, the shipping company would not sell directly to an Asian.

"Operational problems! Cunard Company is now focusing on large cruise ships. The business in this area has decreased, so they will naturally choose to sell one. To be honest, the price is 25 pounds, and they are not losing money. In two years, they have made almost seven or seven. Eighty-eight. Now they can still sell it at this price, they will definitely be happy. For you, it is an opportunity. Although this ship is welded, it is only 6 years old, which is quite a bargain.”

A bargain is a bargain, after all, only 70 US dollars is needed, but Lin Zhichao prepared a total of 100 million US dollars.

This is a full overspend of 20 US dollars, and he has no money to take out the money.Although there are still more than 3 US dollars for global shipping, that is the operating cost, and it is still insufficient.

"Can you make a down payment of 50 U.S. dollars for this victory ship, and pay the rest in half a year?"

Willis said with a smile: "Of course it's not a matter, even our company can guarantee it for you!"

Large ships need ports and supplies to dock, so it is impossible to escape.For example, Dong Haoyun's two ships were detained by the United States because they did not pay off the money (ZZ reason). It was the US embassy's tricks and they were detained at the port.

So Lin Zhichao doesn't owe much money, and others don't worry about you running away.

Finally, Lin Zhichao expressed interest in the 8600-ton cargo ship in Glasgow and the 15000-ton cargo ship Victory.

Willis was overjoyed!
However, Lin Zhichao still pointed out: "Mr. Willis, you may not understand my shipping business. After buying these two ships, I own four 4-ton cargo ships. I bought all these ships in full, and I I plan to charter all four ships to Japanese customers to obtain stable income. In this way, I will come to London to buy ships soon. So, can you reduce the agency fee, even if we are a long-term cooperation bridge .”

Willis suddenly thought about it. Lin Zhichao is indeed a powerful businessman. The four ships are almost 80 pounds (actually 72 pounds). With such purchasing power in a year, he is obviously the top richest Chinese.

"Why did you choose to rent long-term?" Willis asked.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "The cost of long-term rental is generally 75% of that of short-term rental. Even so, in my opinion, the ship must make money. If it is empty, it is obviously a waste, but long-term rental is stable and less risky. It is easy to get a letter of trust from the bank.”

In fact, his long-term lease is not the long-term lease of Bao Yugang in his previous life. Lin Zhichao chose a more profitable long-term lease, which is to use the cycle to obtain greater profits.

For example, Global Shipping will only choose long-term lease with Japanese shipping companies at the beginning of next year. At that time, the freight may rise to 20 US dollars per ton. Even if it is 75% of the rent, it will be 15 US dollars per ton (long-term lease), which is also higher than the current $10 a ton raised the price by 50%.And he leased it for two years. Two years later, in 1953, the shipping price was still high, so he rented it for another three years.Or rent directly for five years!But can not rent for three years!
Through this adjustable lease term, greater profits can be obtained.

After all, customers do not understand the future market, they will not doubt anything!
As for Lin Zhichao's long-term lease, not only can he obtain good profits in the ordinary market, but ultimately, he needs to obtain a letter of credit from the bank.

Whether it is HSBC or Japanese banks (available in Japanese shipbuilding), if they support you, they want to see a stable style from you; after all, shipping is a risky and asset-heavy business, how to obtain the banker’s credit It goes without saying.

Finally, Lin Zhichao must also operate long-term leases, short-term leases, and fixed shipping together, with a larger share of long-term leases.

Willis suddenly saw the bright spots in Lin Zhichao, so he reduced the agency fee by 1 point, and only took 5% of the agency fee.

Lin Zhichao knew that it was enough, enough was enough!

As the host, Willis warmly entertained Lin Zhichao, and the two even made an appointment to watch the musical "Appetizing Sauce" together.

The two sat in the front row, which immediately attracted the attention of many people. After all, it is rare for Chinese to watch this artistic musical.If it wasn't for Willis' leadership, there might be some unnecessary troubles.

"Lin, take it easy, you are my friend!" Willis comforted with a smile.

He only saw the surprised eyes around him, but he didn't see that Lin Zhichao was not affected at all.

"Of course, I'm relaxed and looking forward to it!"

After a while, the musical began, and the two had already calmed down.

Soon, it was Hepburn's turn to play, and she was wearing a tutu and nylon stockings on her thighs, performing a stage solo.

When she saw Lin Zhichao in the front row, she almost made a performance mistake. Fortunately, Lin Zhichao didn't seem to know her, so she quickly stabilized her mind and didn't let herself make mistakes.

It turned out that in the past few months, the 500 pounds had troubled her a lot. She was very poor and didn't want to use strangers' funds; but she soon had to use the money again because her mother was ill.

Therefore, when I saw Lin Zhichao today, I felt a little ashamed and uneasy.

And Lin Zhichao admired Hepburn on the stage. Although he was small, he looked like an elf.

The show is over.

As the audience was about to leave, Lin Zhichao asked Willis: "Are you familiar with this place?"

Willis immediately said, "Of course, if you don't believe me, I can take you backstage to meet the actors!"

Lin Zhichao nodded, and then followed Willis into the backstage. Sure enough, the staff at the door said: "Mr. Willis" and did not stop him afterwards.

In this way, the two met many participating actors backstage, including Hepburn who had already changed into costumes, and the two tacitly did not pretend to know each other.

Just when Lin Zhichao was about to leave, Hepburn handed him a note, and this scene happened to be seen by Willis.

"Do you know each other, or is it love at first sight?"

"know!"

Then Lin Zhichao looked at the note and said, "I don't mind having one more person at night!"

Because the two are still going to the bar!

"Of course, but I have to change my plans, you know!"

Willis smiled yuply. Originally, he wanted to take Lin Zhichao to see the foreign chickens in London, corrupt this potential shipper with women from the British Empire, and get more cooperation in the future.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "I can't accept such an open thing."

"Well, you are so boring! No, it's very interesting, you actually found an actor, it's unbelievable."

The two stood outside and teased, and their relationship quickly became closer. Of course, business is business, and entertainment is entertainment.

(End of this chapter)