The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 137 [Marriage of the Ship King] (Ask for a monthly ticket!)

After returning to Hong Kong, Lin Zhichao inspected various companies for the first time. After confirming that everything was developing stably, he began to fly to Japan to sell his own cargo ships.

Although the cargo ship has not yet arrived in Hong Kong, it is possible to negotiate first, and after reaching a preliminary intention, you can sit back and relax.

After arriving in Japan, Lin Zhichao and Gao Qiqiang split into two groups. He went to visit Tatsuro Yamashita, and Gao Qiqiang went to the "Nippon Shipping Company" and other large shipping companies to deliver the delivery ship information and make an appointment to meet.

Yamaguchi Steamship Co.

"We have leased all three ships, but the price should be more favorable, and we are only willing to sign the lease for three years." After seeing the information submitted by Lin Zhichao, Tatsuro Yamashita was overjoyed for a moment, and then returned to the same.

They are short of merchant ships, and even the whole of Japan is short of merchant ships. If they buy a large number of overseas second-hand ships, they will need a lot of foreign exchange; it is difficult to pass government approval in a short time.

So, he likes to charter boats.

Lin Zhichao did not give Tatsuro Yamashita all the information on the seven ships. He only gave a 15000-ton Shengli ship and two [-]-ton freighters.

Because he probably knew the cargo business volume of Yamaguchi Steamship, he was worried about giving too much information, so he would use it to blackmail the price; at the same time, Lin Zhichao did not want too many large customers, and Global Shipping needed another big customer. , Keep at least two major customers in Japan, so as not to be manipulated.

Lin Zhichao said straightforwardly this time: "There is no problem in signing the contract for three years. I believe the prospect of shipping will last for a long time. As for the price, to be honest, the price of second-hand ships in Europe has generally increased by more than 20%. But it seems that President Yamashita helped me How about signing for $290 million a year in a busy situation."

Sign for three years, at worst, after three years, sign for two years at a lower price.

In short, it is absolutely impossible for him to let his ship be a long-term contract in 1956, because then he would suffer heavy losses!
Tatsuro Yamashita was overjoyed. For the same tonnage, the contract was reduced by two years, and the price was also saved by 10 US dollars per year.

Sure enough, this young man was refreshing enough, and the favor he did last time was worth helping (in fact, he got more benefits than that).

With the shrewdness of a Japanese businessman, Tatsuro Yamashita waved his dragon-slaying sword again and said, "How about 280 million dollars a year, your other two [-]-ton freighters are a little older."

Older ships mean cheaper rents, and that's true.

But in fact, the price range is not too big.

Lin Zhichao readily offered a compromise plan: "In this way, I will be more sincere. The price is still 290 million U.S. dollars a year, but we can accept [-]% in Japanese yen and [-]% in U.S. dollars. In this way, I believe Yamaguchi Steamship will definitely You can see our sincerity."

He accepts the Japanese yen because the repair shops in Japan are good now, and even warships can be repaired.Global Shipping has 12 freighters of up to [-] tons, and there are many old ships, so there may be unavoidable situations throughout the year.

When Japan can build ships in the future, global shipping can increase the proportion of yen payments; more importantly, the yen is very valuable and is currently pegged to the U.S. dollar (1 U.S. dollar is equal to 360 yen). Around the 70s, the yen began to appreciate. Should stick to the yen settlement.

Tatsuro Yamashita really looked happy. If he paid 87% of the yen, it would be equivalent to reducing foreign exchange expenditure by [-] US dollars a year, which is a good thing for the company.

"That's it! When your ship arrives in Hong Kong, we will formally sign the contract."

"OK"

Later, Lin Zhichao and Gao Qiqiang went to Japan Shipping Company to discuss cooperation.

Due to the high freight rate and a large amount of goods waiting to be shipped, the Japanese shipping company also attached great importance to this, and finally decided to rent all four freighters of Global Shipping in one go.

However, they are more cautious, only willing to sign a contract for three years, with a rent of 300 million US dollars a year (total load of 3.6 tons).

Lin Zhichao still chose to agree!
The price of the ship has soared this time, and the freight is not very good because of the long-term lease.

The annual rent of the seven ships is only 590 million US dollars, and the theoretical profit is more than 400 million (depending on the maintenance of the ships), which is equivalent to a year (14 months) to pay back the cost.

Although it seems to be a bit of a loss, after all, many shipping companies can earn back an old ship in less than a year.

In fact, it is not the case. After signing for three years, you can keep the same profit every year without being affected by market fluctuations. In the end, it may not be much different from a one-way short-term rental. After all, Lin Zhichao signed a long-term contract at the peak of the market, which is obviously very beneficial.

The important thing is to establish a kind of trust with Japanese business, which is conducive to the later development of business.

After returning to Hong Kong.

Lin Zhichao reported the recent development of Global Shipping to Sandas.

At present, although Lin Zhichao is not worried that HSBC will not borrow money (it has already borrowed it), he is worried that HSBC will suddenly collect debts; in that case, Lin Zhichao will fall short.

Of course, this kind of thing does not exist in theory, but Lin Zhichao needs to let Sandas firmly support him.

After Sanders heard the words, he marveled at Lin Zhichao's audacity, and took a loan of 300 million US dollars to buy seven cargo ships worth 450 million US dollars.

"After you formally sign contracts with Yamaguchi Steamship and Nippon Shipping, you must notify me. To be honest, I don't really feel relieved until I see the contract."

No wonder he was nervous. In the eyes of bankers, a ship cannot be regarded as an 'asset', at least it is difficult to make a mortgage for you.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Once the ship arrives in Hong Kong, I will go to Japan to formally sign the contract. Japan has a large number of goods waiting to be shipped overseas, and they are also in a hurry to use the ship."

Sandas did not let down his vigilance because of Lin Zhichao's analysis.

But since Lin Zhichao had already bought the boat, he would naturally not interfere.

Sanders then said with a smile: "Many people now think that the only way to make money in the Far East is to lease ships to China for smuggling. Only you can see most clearly that Japan's demand for shipping is also a huge market. Hong Kong There are also ship owners who rent ships to Japanese merchants, but they are all one-way short-term leases. Although the price is high, the business may inevitably suffer from lack of success. After all, you have avoided the risk of shipping, I admire you!"

As if he had discovered a jade in the rough, he gradually admired Lin Zhichao's shipping management methods.Sanders believes that if Lin Zhichao develops as he is now, he will still be able to become the world's shipping king like Olasses in the future.

HSBC's support for global shipping can also benefit a lot.

Lin Zhichao said modestly: "I also do everything possible to consider prudence, so as to gain the trust of the bank. Otherwise, it will be very difficult to develop rapidly relying on my own funds."

Sanders nodded!It is precisely because of such difficulties that this young man came up with a good idea, just like Lin Zhichao did when he was buying a property, he also came up with installments and stratification because of funding problems.

The two chatted for a while, and Lin Zhichao left.As long as Sandas guarantees him, the global shipping will be worry-free.

As long as the contract is formally finalized, the monthly profit of the global shipping can repay the loan and the final payment.

Saturday, September 1951, 1.

On this day, the weather in Hong Kong was clear and the sea was boundless with blue waves.

A Victory ship was parked in Victoria Harbour, as mighty and unyielding as a warship.In fact, when the Victory Wheel was produced, it had weapons such as artillery, which possessed certain defensive capabilities.So it is reasonable to say that it is a warship.

The Shengli ship has a load of 1.5 tons, and the entire hull is quite large, making it look so small for people standing on it.The deck area is quite large, and several cranes are equipped on the deck.The large merchant ships of this era have self-provided lifting masts on the deck, unlike the later container era, where the lifting devices are basically docked.

Today is a good day, Lin Zhichao will marry Xu Caiying, the daughter of the Xu family, and he will move the wedding ceremony to Victory Wheel.

Therefore, as soon as Victory Wheel entered Hong Kong, it was arranged immediately. It took two days to finally set up the wedding scene and luncheon scene, and invited more than [-] people to the scene.

Dinner will also be held at the Hong Kong Hotel (Peder Street), and the wedding is very grand.

Because it is a 'one-story house', it is held according to the scale of the main room. This time, the specification is even larger. Of course, this is due to the increase of Lin Zhichao's status.

For example, for this wedding, Lin Zhichao sent a tentative invitation to Hong Kong Governor Ge Lianghong and Ge Mulian, and he has already received a response.As for Sir Ho Tung, because of his age, he sent his children to participate.

At 10:30 in the morning, the guests arrived one after another, and Lin Zhichao, Xu Caiying and his wife, as well as their parents, adoptive parents, and wife Tang Caiyun greeted them at the entrance.

"Xu Lao, Xu Sheng, welcome to come!" Lin Zhichao welcomed Xu Aizhou and his third son Xu Shixun.

Xu Aizhou inquired about the victory wheel a little, and then said: "This wedding is not new, you can have such a strength, it really makes everyone feel ashamed, it really is the wave of the Yangtze River that pushes the waves ahead!"

Victory Wheel, the Chinese have never heard of such a large ship except for government-owned enterprises.

It is now rumored in the Hong Kong business community that Lin Zhichao has received support from HSBC Bank, and it is even more prosperous.

"You are too serious, this way please!"

"it is good!"

Soon, Chinese relatives, friends, and partners came one after another. Everyone lamented Lin Zhichao's strength, and now he has received a loan from HSBC Bank, which is even more remarkable.

Of course, except for HSBC, no one in Hong Kong knows how many ships Lin Zhichao has; one thing is certain, that is, he recruited hundreds of seamen with Lin Zhichao. Some people speculate that Lin Zhichao has a fleet of about 5 tons.

Even so, this strength is second only to the existence of Xu Aizhou's fleet, not to mention that Lin Zhichao is only in his 20s and has the support of the bank.

"The Governor of Hong Kong is here!"

I don't know who yelled, and found that Ge Lianghong and his wife were approaching the Victory on a yacht of the Hong Kong government.At this time, everyone also discovered a problem. The yacht of the Hong Kong government looked a little small under the victory wheel.

Fortunately, one is for goods, and the other is for yachts.

After a while, Ge Lianghong boarded the deck surrounded by several foreigners.

"Welcome Governor Ge and Mrs. Ge Mulian!" Lin Zhichao greeted very gentlemanly.

Ge Lianghong and his wife looked at Lin Zhichao and his wife, and then Ge Lianghong said with a smile: "The wedding is very innovative! I heard that you have many [-]-ton giant ships. It seems to be true."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "There are indeed a few ships. Thanks to the support of HSBC Bank, these ships are currently being repaid. Fortunately, these ships are all long-term leased to Japanese shipping companies, so there is no problem in repaying the loan."

There are many meanings in what he said. First, he is grateful for the support of HSBC Bank, which is equivalent to moving closer to the Hong Kong government; second, he has long-term leased the ship to Japanese customers and will not participate in smuggling.

"I see! But you can get a loan from HSBC Bank, it must be because your business is very good. I know how difficult it is for shipping to get a bank loan."

"Governor Ge has won the prize, please come to your side!"

At this time, the Chinese lamented the deep relationship between Lin Zhichao and the Hong Kong government, and even the governor and his wife participated in the wedding.

As everyone knows, Ge Lianghong was also a little surprised when he received Lin Zhichao's invitation.

Although he has paid attention to Lin Zhichao, he rarely socializes, so he is not familiar with him.

However, after receiving the invitation, he immediately asked his secretary to give him all the information about Lin Zhichao. He was astonished when he learned about it.

23-year-old self-made business tycoon, real estate tycoon, industrial tycoon, shipping tycoon, all achieved great results.Especially in the recent shipping business, there are more than 200 seamen (actually more than 300) recruited, and there are loans from HSBC Bank. It is said that there are more than five [-]-ton large freighters under its banner.

Such a business elite, he immediately decided to win over.

In fact, Ge Lianghong and Ge Mulian are the kind of Hong Kong governor and wife who love money. They not only represent the plutocrats in Hong Kong, but they are said to have participated in smuggling in their previous lives.

Then it was time for the wedding ceremony, this time a Western-style wedding.

"Ehuang Nvying, Lin Shengduan has a good career and family!"

"That's right! In a few years, I'm afraid Lin Sheng will become our Chinese business leader!"

The people around were in disbelief.

After thinking about it, they have to admit that the Victory Wheel under their feet is said to be worth 500 million Hong Kong dollars, and it is rumored that Lin Zhichao owns [-] to [-] tons of large freighters.Coupled with the support of HSBC, the future is really limitless.

Under the auspices of the priest, the wedding scene was very romantic. Lin Zhichao looked at Xu Caiying, who was all over the country, and felt very proud. This life is worth it.

Then the dinner started, using Western food mode, because it was Chinese food at night.

During the meeting, Ge Lianghong asked Sanders: "How many ships are there in the global shipping? How much tonnage?"

He knew that Sandas was an executive of HSBC, so he planned to learn about Lin Zhichao's specific strength.

Sandas kept an eye out, because he is a businessman, not a politician.

"There were five ships in the front, and now I have bought this ship, Shengli, which already has a load capacity of more than 6 tons."

Ge Lianghong, Ge Mulian and their assistants all became incredulous, mainly because Lin Zhichao was too young.

Next, Ge Lianghong learned about other situations, and found that the Hong Kong government's information had already underestimated Lin Zhichao, a potential businessman.

Ge Mulian asked, "Then did his fleet transport goods to the other side?"

Sanders glanced at the Governor's wife, not knowing why he asked, then he shook his head and said, "If this young man does this, he will not get a loan from HSBC because we think it is risky. On the contrary, he will Most of the ships are long-term leased to Japanese merchants, so we don’t have to worry about repaying the loan.”

Ge Lianghong understood, nodded and said, "Sure enough, he is very shrewd. He knows to gain the banker's trust first."

He was also wondering whether he should get in touch with Lin Zhichao more. This young businessman has a simple background and is exactly what the British Empire needs; moreover, Lin Zhichao has no honors, so he should be encouraged to do more charity and then fight for it. The title of Justice of the Peace for the past two years.

Late that night, the Lin family, who had finished their wedding, finally moved into the three-story bungalow on Conduit Road.

The third floor of the bungalow is the bedrooms of Wu Wenying, Lin Zhichao, Tang Caiyun, and Xu Caiying, as well as a living room and a study;
The second floor of the bungalow is the living area for Lin Xiner, Lin Ruihuan and their future children, as well as a living room and a study room;
On the first floor of the bungalow, there is a restaurant, etc., and another room for a live-in nanny.

On the whole, the space is still very large. It is said to be a bungalow, but it is actually about the same area as a villa, with an independent yard.

"Husband, I am so happy today!" Xu Caiying said affectionately.

Today's wedding, she received a lot of blessings, even Tang Caiyun doted on her, the second sister, without any sign of jealousy.

Lin Zhichao put his arms around her and said, "Just be happy! Life is like this, and it will get better and better in the future. After a while, I will take you to the United States for vacation."

Every year, we still have to arrange two vacations, and the money can be earned slowly.

Rich people in this era are not called tourists, but sojourners. Many of them like to live in Europe and America for a period of time, and then return to Hong Kong to live.Of course, this kind of family is generally a rich family, at least after the children grow up and pass it on.

"Well. Then should I serve my husband to rest now?" Xu Caiying blinked her beautiful eyes and said mischievously.

Lin Zhichao asked back: "Are you sure you can eat it by yourself?"

Xu Caiying immediately punched Lin Zhichao, and then said: "I can't eat tonight, so I have to fight hard. I have to win once."

Afterwards, she squatted down directly, intending to take the lead first and consume Lin Zhichao's energy.

tear!
The next morning, Xu Caiying happily offered tea to Wu Wenying.

Afterwards, she said to Tang Caiyun, "Sister, it's your turn, and I have to offer tea to you too!"

With her five-month pregnant belly, Tang Caiyun said with a smile, "What are you talking about, I'm not an elder, and you're not a concubine, what kind of tea are you offering?"

The two sisters laughed and joked, and they really respected each other.

Seeing this scene, both Wu Wenying and Lin Zhichao were naturally very happy.

Although Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying are not real sisters, they are better than real sisters. As the saying goes, everything is prosperous in a family, and Lin Zhichao can fight in the mall with more peace of mind with them in the rear.

During breakfast, Lin Zhichao said: "The Chinese New Year is only a week away, so hurry up and buy whatever you want. Our family's living conditions have improved, and we don't need to think too much about spending money in the future."

"Well, there are a few of us women in charge of the family, so my son can rest assured. I am a mother, and I am not old-fashioned. I know that my daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law love beauty, so I will not interfere with your expenses." Wu Wenying said proactively.

She fully supports her son's idea and is determined not to be an evil mother-in-law. After all, she never dreamed of marrying two such beautiful daughter-in-laws before.

And Lin Zhichao doesn't advocate being too frugal, unless he needs to set up a personal design in the future.

Tang Caiyun and other women have also been shocked by Lin Zhichao's handwriting recently. There are 12 800-ton freighters with a total value of 5000 million US dollars, equivalent to nearly 500 million Hong Kong dollars.Although the debt is only [-] million US dollars, as Lin Zhichao said, he earned it back in less than a year.

By this time, Lin Zhichao had already distanced himself from other wealthy people in Hong Kong, and he still had to do everything possible to rely on HSBC.

Currently, Xu Aizhou's fleet only looks like 5 to 10 tons. It looks like a lot of ships, but they are actually cargo ships with a deadweight of 1000 to 5000 tons.

In fact, in terms of the tonnage of Chinese privately owned cargo ships, Lin Zhichao is already No. 1, and he is a veritable "Chinese Ship King".

This has something to do with his bold style and his courage to borrow nearly 500 million US dollars in total.

(End of this chapter)