The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 138 [Social Fame]

During the Spring Festival, Lin Zhichao visited Sir Ho Tung.

In fact, Ho Tung is an unsmiling and authoritative person, even when facing Hong Kong Governor Gregory Hung, it can be said that he is not easy to deal with.

But every time Lin Zhichao visited, He Dong was always very welcoming and talked about many things.And Lin Zhichao also cherishes this network of contacts. Although He Dong is already old and seems to have a lifespan of only five or six years, he feels that he can learn a lot from such an aging person.

The important thing is that He Dong's age will definitely not harm him.

"Now that you have done so much in shipping and industry, you haven't considered increasing your social honor and status?" He Dong said suddenly.

Lin Zhichao immediately became interested. He Dong was elected as the chairman of the inaugural meeting of the "Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' Prime Ministers Association" in June last year. He is very knowledgeable in this regard.On the contrary, besides being a member of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk, Lin Zhichao is not even a director.

There is no way, in the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk, there are quite a few people who donate 50 million every year, and one or two who donate nearly one million.The reason why everyone donates is not only for charity, but also for social status.Not only are the positions of directors, prime ministers, and chairmen of these two Chinese charitable organizations alluring, but also the "justice of the peace" appointed by the Hong Kong government is beckoning.

"I think, I just have some strength at the moment, and I plan to donate 50 to 100 million Hong Kong dollars for charity this year. But in terms of charity, I am a little confused and have limited energy, so I can only entrust the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk. "

According to the current contracts and operating conditions signed by Global Shipping, the profit in 1951 could be around 700 million US dollars, that is, nearly 3500-4000 million Hong Kong dollars.This is an astronomical figure. Since receiving support from HSBC, Lin Zhichao's career has expanded several times at once.

Of course, it is also the reason for the outbreak of the market.

Therefore, donating 100 million Hong Kong dollars is like sprinkling water for Lin Zhichao.Of course, in fact, the debt of Global Shipping is nearly 500 million US dollars (about 2800 million Hong Kong dollars).

He Dong is very satisfied with Lin Zhichao's "motivation".

Later, he said: "Ge Lianghong's wife, Ge Mulian, intends to build a 'health center' (small hospital type). She came to me for alms, but I only promised a small amount of donation. Because I have my own donation channels and ideas .”

Last year, after Ho Tung was elected as the chairman of the inaugural meeting of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Prime Ministers Association, he donated 100 million Hong Kong dollars to the University of Hong Kong to build a library named after his wife.

When Lin Zhichao heard the news, he immediately felt good. He knew that Ge Lianghong and Ge Mulian were a couple of Hong Kong governors who were relatively "greedy"; later generations even rumored that during the peninsula campaign, Ge Mulian's bank deposits had been soaring, involving rumors of smuggling .

"This is not bad! If there is no location, I will support her to set up a hospital in Tsuen Wan. There is already a population of 10 people, but there is no hospital, which is quite bad."

If Lin Zhichao donates money, whether it is from the government or the media, the details will be recorded in the future; and Ge Mulian can at most give one name, namely 'Ge Mulian Hospital' or 'Ge Mulian Health Center'.

After all, everyone knows that it is 'impossible' for the governor and his wife to be so rich.

He Dong went on to say: "Based on your achievements in business, if you build a good relationship with the Governor of Hong Kong, it is still possible to be a Justice of the Peace in a year or two. We are all in our 30s before we get this honor. The people who want to get it have to be almost 30 years old."

He pointed out Lin Zhichao's actions in this regard because he felt that Lin Zhichao had such strong strength.In fact, in his opinion, Lin Zhichao only needs to work harder on social status and honor, and he is afraid that he will inherit his status as a "Hong Kong Chinese leader" at the age of 30.

Lin Zhichao said: "It's not urgent. Of course it's good to get it. It's nothing if you don't get it. But I'm happy to be able to make some contributions to Hong Kong."

He Dong said with a smile: "In this society, money is not enough. There is no certain social honor and status. It is easy to be envied. If you donate a health center in Tsuen Wan, you will run for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals' Prime Minister next year (equivalent to director, and above that the chairman of the board)."

Lin Zhichao said happily: "Thank you Sir Ho Tung for your guidance." These public welfare positions will not waste time. In this era, Hong Kong businessmen are well-known. and lord.Even in the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals and Po Leung Kuk, hundreds of thousands of Chinese businessmen participated in the annual donations. Some people even made a big splash for the positions of "JP" and "Po Leung Kuk Prime Minister", donating hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong dollars. .

After the Spring Festival, Lin Zhichao's career has also stabilized. A week ago, Lin Zhichao signed formal contracts with two major Japanese customers, Yamaguchi Steamship and Nippon Shipping.

It also means that global shipping will have a steady stream of profits in the next three to five years.

Because of this, Lin Zhichao felt that what He Dong said was very reasonable, he should increase the honor and status of the society.

One of the reasons why Wang Dehui, the boss of Chinachem in his previous life, was frequently kidnapped was because he had a lot of money but never donated money or participated in social activities.Some people describe him as rich and powerless, the best target for kidnappers.

In Hong Kong, if you obtain a justice of the peace, you will have a lot of substantive rights. Even the court will regard the ideas and opinions of a justice of the peace as a reference.For example, if a certain justice of the peace jointly guarantees a suspect, then the suspect is likely to be released on bail. Just "inspecting any detention center or visiting any detainee" is a great right.

As for the "Fifth Class Medal of the Order of the British Empire" (GBE, KBE, CBE, OBE, MBE), it is a symbol of power. Even the lowest member of the Order of the British Empire can directly call the Governor's Office; and The top GBE and KBE medals are even more difficult to obtain.

Before the reunification, it is still very useful to have these honors and medals.What's more, the British Empire is one of the countries with the best business environment in the world. It has been in the top five of the list all year round, and its business environment is much better than that of the United States. This will become the bridgehead for Lin Zhichao to enter European business.

Of course, Lin Zhichao will not be too deliberate to obtain these, it can only be said that he did it conveniently.

In the back garden of the Governor's Mansion, Ge Lianghong and Ge Mulian were pacing.

"Mu Lian, that Lin Zhichao came to visit me today and said that he intends to help you establish a health center in Tsuen Wan." Ge Lianghong said in a gentle tone.

For this American wife, the two have been married for 25 years and are still very affectionate.

Ge Mulian was a little surprised, and then said: "The Chinese Deng Zhaojian has already intended to fund the Tsuen Wan Health Center. I didn't expect to add a Chinese tycoon this time. It seems that they are really rich." After finishing speaking, she showed an envious expression.

Seeing his wife like this, Ge Lianghong knew what she was thinking. His wife was an American girl who enjoyed and wore luxury goods and jewelry.But with his governor's salary, although it is very high, it is still a bit worse than doing business.Therefore, he also supported Ge Mulian to do some business and subsidized their expenses.

"Then have you thought about who to accept funding?"

Ge Mulian's eyes revealed the shrewdness of a businessman, and then she said: "Of course it's Lin Zhichao, a Chinese! However, I want to meet him in private first, please invite them, my dear, of course I won't let you come out, I won't affect you .”

Ge Lianghong knew that his wife was very smart and would not give others any excuses; what's more, he was the emperor of the land in the Far East, and the emperor of the United Kingdom was also far away, so he had great power.

"Well, I will ask my assistant to make an appointment for you. If he can help you, I will appoint him as this year's Justice of the Peace." As the governor of Hong Kong, Gregory has the direct right to appoint each year's Justice of the Peace, of course Generally, only one person will be appointed directly, and the others will be discussed.

Ge Mulian said unexpectedly: "Maybe he is too young, so people will gossip."

Ge Lianghong said with a smile: "Although he is young, he has made great achievements in business and made great contributions to society. His industrial factories employ thousands of workers and hundreds of shipping companies, providing many jobs for Hong Kong. What's more, he also solved the confusion of Hong Kong's living environment and took the lead in selling houses in 'layered stages', which is a remarkable pioneering work."

Ge Mulian nodded and said, "In that case, I hope he won't let me down!"

Her idea is very simple, Lin Zhichao has such a huge fleet, is it true that Lin Zhichao will honestly lease it to Japanese merchants, I am afraid it may not be certain.Recently, she has taken a fancy to the smuggling business in the mainland, and she also wants to get involved to earn some living expenses.

However, in order not to attract the attention of the United States and the United Kingdom, she certainly does not want to directly participate in it, so as not to affect her husband.So, he needs someone he trusts as a proxy.

Now this Chinese businessman is taking the initiative to approach his husband, which is suitable for him to take advantage of.

Lin Zhichao and Xu Caiying came to Hong Kong to accept Ge Mulian's invitation.

This invitation was made by Ge Mulian in the name of gratitude, but Lin Zhichao had already smelled something different.

In a private room, Lin Zhichao and his wife saw a plump Ge Mulian, who was dressed extravagantly and had a precious necklace on her neck. This further confirmed the rumors from previous lives—the couple had a greater desire for wealth.

In fact, the salary of the Governor of Hong Kong is quite high. In the 90s and 1000s, the salary of the Governor of Hong Kong was equivalent to that of the top executives of listed companies in Hong Kong, which was about 2000-[-] million Hong Kong dollars a year.Even the salaries of British officials in the entire Hong Kong government are very high.

"Mr. Lin, Mrs. Lin, I didn't expect us to meet again so soon!" Ge Mulian said enthusiastically.

Lin Zhichao said very gentlemanly: "It is our honor!"

Xu Caiying also behaved gracefully and without stage fright at all.Just like Lin Zhichao said beforehand, with regard to his current social wealth and status, the governor of Hong Kong has nothing to do with him.

Lin Zhichao showed his favor to the Governor of Hong Kong, not to curry favor with him, but just to say that if he can be friends, of course he should be friends.Make many friends and few enemies.

After several people sat down, Ge Mulian first thanked Lin Zhichao for funding the 'Tsuen Wan Mrs. Grantham Health Center', and soon after that she showed a greedy look.

"Mr. Lin, I heard that you are an expert in business. I also have some savings. I wonder if I can invest together in the business I want to do!"

Lin Zhichao was taken aback for a moment, and then said, "I'm afraid I can't! It's not that I don't want to cooperate with Mrs. Ge, but that I don't have a good channel, and I'm worried that you will lose money."

Ge Mulian was also taken aback, he didn't expect Lin Zhichao to refuse so decisively, and suddenly felt that he had underestimated Lin Zhichao.

Immediately, she directly offered her magic weapon: "I believe that Mr. Lin must be doing the business of transporting goods to the opposite side with so many shipping ships! I am not trying to take advantage of Mr. Lin, I have some capital, and The Hong Kong government's connections, if they are partners, are also powerful, right?"

It turned out that the wife of the Hong Kong governor thought he was smuggling, so she wanted to buy a share.

Lin Zhichao is not worried about offending the Hong Kong Governor and his wife. Hong Kong is a ZB liberal area, and Lin Zhichao has great influence in major Chinese groups, so he is not worried about being expelled from Hong Kong.

However, it is actually a good thing that the governor's wife wants to smuggle, after all, it is also beneficial to the other party.

But Lin Zhichao didn't want to get involved, so he said: "Each of my ships weighs nearly [-] tons. If this kind of transportation is really carried out, it will be a living target. So if Madam wants to do this kind of business, I'm afraid I have to find someone to do it." Cooperate, buy smuggling boats, and specialize in hauling goods."

Ge Mulian didn't intend to hide it at this time, and immediately asked: "Mr. Lin must know such a connection?"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Yes! I can introduce to Madam, but I won't participate."

Now it was Ge Mulian's turn to worry. She only trusted Lin Zhichao, but not the other partners.

"Is it credible?"

"Thanks to my personal compensation. But there is one condition, if Madam can provide some help, it is of course the best."

"no problem!"

Lin Zhichao intends to introduce Li Gaofu to Ge Mulian, and the two parties cooperate to purchase a smuggling boat, specializing in this business.As for Ge Mulian, she probably didn't have any problems with the actions of the Industrial and Commercial Office.

In this way, Lin Zhichao does not need to participate, and Li Gaofu can also have an extra eyeliner.

Next, the two parties no longer mentioned the matter of smuggling, but discussed funding the 'Tsuen Wan Mrs. Grantham Health Center'.This health center is equivalent to a public health center. It can be vaccinated and treated for common minor illnesses. It is inferior to hospitals.

Lin Zhichao only donates money and supervises, and does not need to actually participate, because it is managed by the Hong Kong Department of Health.

In the private room of Lu Yu Tea House, Lin Zhichao, Li Gaofu, and Huang Tinggui sat chatting together.

"Oriental Trader, what are you doing recently?" Lin Zhichao asked casually after taking a sip of tea.

Li Gaofu said generously: "During this time, the frontline materials are in short supply, especially black iron sheets. And the freight to the north has risen to 120 US dollars per ton, so we plan to take risks. During the Spring Festival, most of the goods loaded are black iron sheets and a small amount gasoline, which is now headed for the high seas."

Huang Tinggui on the side was not surprised. He had worked with Li Gaofu for so long and knew that Lin Zhichao was the nobleman of the whole Fuhehang.Without Lin Zhichao, there would be no northern trade, nor the current inland smuggling business.

Lin Zhichao nodded, he knew the importance of the black iron sheet, because it was a means of transportation for gasoline and diesel.If there are not enough black iron sheets, some front-line tanks, cars and other facilities have to be stopped.This means that the army loses its powerful firepower and mobility.

The price of black iron has been rising all the way in recent years.

At present, black iron sheet is only 800 Hong Kong dollars per ton. Japanese black iron sheet is the cheapest, and of course it is more difficult to smuggle.In another year, the black iron sheet in Hong Kong will reach 2000 Hong Kong dollars, while the opposite Guangdong black iron sheet will be 2000 million RMB (about 1:5000 with Hong Kong dollars), that is, 4000 Hong Kong dollars per ton.

Across the river, the price doubled.

"How do you feel?" Lin Zhichao asked with a smile.

At this time, Huang Tinggui said: "I can't wait to go to the port every day and look forward to their smooth return. Even if I succeed once, I won't be as nervous as I am now, every day."

Lin Zhichao said: "This trip will take 2 months, right?"

Due to the need to avoid mines and warships, it is impossible to cross the Taiwan Strait, and the time will naturally be longer.

"Yes, including loading, contacting, etc., it takes about three months to make a trip."

Although I make a trip every three months, I can earn 60 Hong Kong dollars a trip, which is obviously a temptation.

Later, Lin Zhichao asked: "How is your smuggling business to Omen?"

Li Gaofu said: "Currently we have a 100-ton speedboat. We have informants in the port and industrial and commercial offices, and they are also well managed, so it goes smoothly. But this route is not a big profit. If it can be transported to the opposite side, it will be considered a profit." get more."

One is a direct transaction, and the other is a transaction with a third party, obviously earning differently.There is also a trading company like Bao Yugang. They even need to rent smuggling boats, so they earn even less.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao suddenly discovered a problem. The shortage of ships in the Far East is actually the shortage of ships in the Mainland and Japan. If the Hong Kong shipowners do not do these businesses, it will not be considered a major cycle of shipping.

After learning about Fuhehang's business, Lin Zhichao knew it well, and then said: "There is someone who also wants to do business in this area, so I plan to cooperate with you."

Li Gaofu immediately said, "Who?"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It's the wife of a high-ranking official, the tall one is the right one. So I want to connect, and you can cooperate to buy a smuggling boat. She can also provide you with some contacts and information about industrial and commercial offices."

Upon hearing this, Li Gaofu and Huang Tinggui agreed to cooperate without hesitation. After all, they were smuggling in the first place, and now joining a powerful partner is not a problem at all.

Afterwards, Lin Zhichao arranged time, planning to bring everyone together to sit down and talk someday.

Ge Mulian also said that she didn't want to be named directly, so she asked Lin Zhichao to guarantee Li Gaofu's trustworthiness.To this, Lin Zhichao naturally agreed without hesitation.

Because this kind of guarantee will not involve himself, at most, if he loses money, Lin Zhichao will just subsidize Ge Mulian with some money.

Throughout the cooperation, Ge Mulian and Lin Zhichao did not participate in it, and Fuhexing participated in the operation.

In the end, Lin Zhichao said to Li Gaofu and Huang Tinggui: "Oriental traders had better run twice, and don't run away. That would be very lucky."

"What Lin Sheng said is true!"

This is a word of warning!
Once bombarded by warships, the people on board may also be tortured by Taiwanese spies to extract confessions, and it is inevitable to betray the owner.In this way, the blacklist period will be longer in the future.

(End of this chapter)