The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 190 [Strengthening the Alliance]

Monday.

In the morning, Sanders, the project manager of HSBC, came to Global Shipping and called on Lin Zhichao, and the two chatted in the office.

Sundas has been the manager of the project department since the beginning of the year, and the project department is the lending department. It is more important to visit factories usually to investigate which industries are worthy of loans.

Lin Zhichao did not apply for a loan, but Sanders took the initiative to visit. In Sanders' view, Lin Zhichao has very high business attainments. He likes to chat with Lin Zhichao and get some information from it.

After Chen Tian'an made a cup of tea for the two of them, he left the office.

"Global Shipping has no plans to purchase ships recently? Or have you already purchased many ships with your own funds?" Sanders asked with a smile.

As soon as he became the project manager, this person stopped the loan instead, which made him a little anxious. After all, Lin Zhichao has a good reputation, so he doesn't worry about repaying the loan.Lin Zhichao not only has a good reputation, but also has strong strength - in addition to shipping, he also has industries and real estate, so it is almost safer than lending to He Dong before.

Lin Zhichao said unhurriedly: "I just bought four second-hand oil tankers. Now I plan to go to the United States to promote major American oil companies. This is the first time to buy a ship this year. After all, the second-hand cargo ships of Global Shipping have already Enough."

Sandas was stunned, and sighed in his heart that this person really took one step at a time, but his development was super fast.

Afterwards, he said, "So you can't use the loan anymore?"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "How can a banker come to sell loans and let others know, thinking that your HSBC Bank has changed sex, and the water pipes have been opened!"

Sandas said seriously: "Giving you a loan is like putting money in a safe, so what's the problem with selling loans door-to-door?"

In the past year, bank loans have risen rapidly. At present, there are 37 billion Hong Kong dollars lying in all banks in Hong Kong, and HSBC accounts for at least half of the country.Although there are many Chinese in Hong Kong, the Chinese trust HSBC more. This is a batch of Hong Kong dollars that HSBC admitted to being forced to sign by Japan even though it suffered a lot in World War II.

Lin Zhichao thought about it and felt that the loan was not needed for the time being, but he had to maintain his friendship with Sandas and HSBC, otherwise the previous work would be in vain.

So, he said: "Mr. Sanders, how do you think I am doing in shipping? Does it give you confidence?"

Sandas nodded seriously, and said: "You are the best businessman I have ever seen. The long-term contract you signed with Japan in the early days has brought great benefits in the past two years. Others are now renting one-way short-term The price is not as good as the long-term contract in your hand. Global shipping attaches great importance to the quality of seafarers, and has created a team of excellent seafarers comparable to those in Europe and the United States, but the cost of personnel is very low. Therefore, global shipping is very competitive!"

His admiration for Lin Zhichao is undisguised. It is true that Lin Zhichao maximized the benefits of shipping.

Lin Zhichao said in a circular manner: "Does Mr. Sanders have a certain understanding of the oil tankers in transit? Or, do you have your own views on the growth of oil's contribution to the development of the world economy?"

Sanders knew that Lin Zhichao would not "preach" for no reason, he must be trying to convince himself of "something", because this is Lin Zhichao's usual strategy.

"The contribution of oil to the economy is unquestionable, and the world's demand for oil is increasing, especially in Europe and the United States (Britain and France do not produce oil yet), so I think you are saying that the world's shipping needs more and more oil tankers. Get bigger!"

Lin Zhichao nodded with a smile, and continued: "This time I inspected the Hamburg shipyard in Germany and found that they are building a 56000-ton large oil tanker, so I predict that oil tankers will develop in a general direction."

Sandas was also attracted by Lin Zhichao's topic, and he understood clearly after the two asked and answered.

Then, Sanders asked: "So, if you want to build a large oil tanker, you need a huge loan. Do you plan to get a loan of 1000 million U.S. dollars?"

If it is 1000 million US dollars, Sandas thinks there is no problem. It seems high, but it is actually not a problem for global shipping.

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said seriously: "I want to build six 5.6-ton oil tankers. To be honest, I have calculated the profits of global shipping in the next two years, which is more than enough. But I like to cooperate with HSBC to jointly establish a shipping company , [-]% of us and [-]% of your shares will invest in the shipping industry together to buy these six tankers."

Sandas was stunned by Lin Zhichao's plan, six tankers, worth nearly 4500 million US dollars.

And Lin Zhichao is very interested!
In 1956, when Suez was closed for a year, the world's demand for ships was extremely high, and it was only a drop in the bucket to bet on hundreds of thousands of tons.Therefore, it doesn't matter if you make a fortune with HSBC, after all, only HSBC is qualified to be his partner.

"Forty percent of the investment, doesn't it cost 1800 million US dollars!"

"You only need 35% down payment, and you can make money after delivery."

"A new oil tanker needs at least five years to pay back its capital?"

"But the oil tanker itself maintains its value. The value of a five-year-old oil tanker is still 20% to [-]%. Moreover, since the end of the peninsula campaign, it is difficult for large-scale wars to break out in the world. Shipping will usher in at least [-] years of glory."

After some communication, Sanders smiled wryly and said: "This plan is a bit crazy. There may be many opponents in the senior management of HSBC Bank. Even I need to think carefully about it."

Lin Zhichao said, "It's okay, I'll wait for your reply."

This time we cannot cooperate. After the Suez crisis, HSBC will actively seek cooperation.

Of course, if a cooperation is reached this time, HSBC will die laughing in 1956.

In the morning, Lin Zhichao convened a meeting of the top management.

At the meeting, he said: "This time, the four second-hand cargo ships should be rented out for a two-year lease period, and the maximum lease period is two years, or one year; Senior Manager, go sell them to Japanese customers!"

Gao Qiqiang nodded quickly and said, "Okay! Now the price is very flat, and we are still competitive in Japan."

Global Shipping not only has "long-term lease" leased to Japan, but also has already opened up fixed routes to Europe and the Americas, becoming a company with diversified business development.

He did not completely follow the path of Bao Yugang in his previous life. Lin Zhichao is more ambitious. In the future, oil tankers and container ships will go hand in hand. Long-term leases are to control the lease time.

Then, Lin Zhichao said: "Deputy General Manager Feng and I went to the United States together to sell four oil tankers and get to know the customers well!"

Feng Yongfa said: "Okay, then I will go ahead and get acquainted with you."

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, I still have a week to arrive in the United States, you can check the arrangements!"

"Ok"

Lin Zhichao personally completed the social interaction with customers at the beginning.After a long time, those old customers also recognized Lin Zhichao's subordinates, such as several big customers in Japan.

In this way, Lin Zhichao only needs to lay a good foundation, and he doesn't have to do it himself every time later.He is not like others, he only has one business, and he can focus.

The sale of oil tankers this time is very important, because it is going to sell to large American oil companies, and the two parties need to establish a stable basis for cooperation.It can even be said that in order to be safe, Lin Zhichao will personally supervise and direct the first transportation mission to ensure a smooth pass.

Just after the meeting ended, a staff member came to everyone and reported: "Boss, when the Golden Lion was sailing in Singapore, there was something wrong with the cold storage. Waiting for the goods will be damaged."

Lin Zhichao frowned, and said, "It takes time to repair the cold storage. If the voyage is delayed, wouldn't the loss be even greater."

The staff naturally didn't know what to do, and all the senior executives also thought about it.

Finally, a senior executive suggested: "Purchase a large amount of ice in Singapore and put them in the cold storage. After completing this transportation task, it will not be too late to repair the cold storage!"

Everyone's eyes brightened, and it turned out that things can often be handled in the simplest way.

Lin Zhichao said: "That's right! We should adopt the best way to deal with problems and brainstorm."

Subsequently, the company's management communicated the handling of the matter by radio.The senior seafarers on the Golden Lion were stunned for the first time, it turned out that the handling of the matter was so simple.

Although this incident was small, it was immediately written into the emergency handling rules and regulations of global shipping.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao also decided on one thing in his heart. The oil tanker business is about to start, and he has to tell everyone from time to time-the route must be run according to the plan and not deviated.

How many oil tanker shipbuilding accidents were caused by the captain's unauthorized yaw, which caused the grounding.But at this point, the executive ability of the Chinese is very strong, and the senior seaman of the foreign is an unstable factor.

After the oil tanker was sold out this time, Lin Zhichao planned to set up a "training class" for senior seafarers after returning to Hong Kong, using the world's top navigation experts to provide regular training for its senior seafarers.

Pay close attention to the management of navigation technology!
In late August, Lin Zhichao came to the United States and went straight to Exxon Petroleum Company with Feng Yongfa.This company later merged with Mobil Oil Company to become the largest oil company in the world.

If Lin Zhichao wants to break into the oil transportation industry in Europe and America, he must start from a large enterprise, so as to gain the credibility of the entire industry.

The two easily 'broke into' the office of the chartering department of Exxon International Company, but they did not encounter any difficulties.

"Well, who are you?" A man who looked like a manager pointed at the two of them and asked.

As soon as Lin Zhichao saw this person, he analyzed his possible identity, and soon learned that he was at least a managerial figure, so he took out his business card, turned the English side up, and handed it to this person.

"Hello, we are Hong Kong Global Shipping, and hope to cooperate with your company on chartering!" Lin Zhichao said confidently and politely.

He has some advantages. Naturally, he is relying on his strength to fight for opportunities for cooperation. Others will not give you the business with confidence just because you nod and bow.

Niu Deng looked at the business card in his hand, and immediately lost interest, and said to Lin Zhichao: "We have never heard of the shipping companies in Hong Kong. We only trust the big ship owners in Greece, just like Onassis!"

There is derogation in the words, this kind of psychology is perfectly normal.Not only are Europeans and Americans arrogant, but they also want to take the lead in negotiations.

Lin Zhichao knows these European and American businessmen. When they get to know you, they will be very careful and will not trust you easily; once you make achievements and satisfy them, the prejudice in their heads will disappear. Will be a great partner.

"We have very low prices! Moreover, we have four oil tankers with a tonnage of 1.5 to 1.6 tons."

This tonnage was not very small in the 50s, it can only be said to be average; if it reached the 60s, it would be a small tanker.

When Niu Deng heard about the 'very low price', he immediately became interested, which was exactly what Lin Zhichao needed.

"You are a ship owner in Hong Kong. Are you on the blacklist of the US Department of Commerce?"

The words even revealed a little disgust, which is the general mentality of Americans at this time. After all, the war has just ended for a year.

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "I have nothing to do with the war. My fleet has been long-term leased to Japanese customers. Large Japanese shipping companies such as Yamaguchi Steamship, Nippon Steamship, and Sanko Steamship are all our big customers. So , my reputation is very good."

As soon as Niu Deng heard this, he didn't care about this matter, because as long as Lin Zhichao was not blacklisted, he could continue talking.

"I haven't seen a very low price yet!"

Lin Zhichao knew that there was already a breakthrough, so he said, "I will definitely give you a very low price!"

But did not directly say the price, because they are still standing.

Seeing this, Niu Deng also formally invited the two to the conference room for a talk, and the matter has ushered in a breakthrough.

In fact, Niu Deng knew about global shipping. He was a good-scale shipping company in the Far East and had a lot of business in Japan.Being able to lease the ship to a Japanese shipping company means that the rent must be very low, which is very beneficial to Exxon.

After arriving at the meeting room, everyone sat down.

Lin Zhichao took the initiative to introduce: "The four ships are oil tankers produced in the UK. The age of the ships is between 18 and 20. We have already done a lot of maintenance for the ships. At the same time, our seamen have been systematically trained. , They have the same quality as European and American sailors. So, please rest assured that we can complete the task perfectly."

He didn't evade the fact that the ship was relatively old, but said it bluntly.

When Niu Deng and others heard the age of the ship, they really frowned.

"Old ship!"

Hearing Niu Deng's elongated voice, Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Although it is an old ship, it will not affect the safety and time of shipping. We will try our best to do our best. At the same time, if you lease the four ships, The one-year rent is only US$300 million, and a one-year or two-year lease term can be provided.”

The operating cost of the oil tanker is also relatively high, so although the one-year lease term is 300 million US dollars, it is already sky-high to have a profit of 200 million; and the various costs of purchasing the four oil tankers are also nearly 500 million US dollars, two and a half years You can get your money back.Of course, this is still theoretical. The biggest problem with second-hand ships is that they are highly risky, and a major repair may cost a lot of money.An accident, may be done in vain for a year.

The expression on Niu Deng's face changed, and then recovered, but this scene couldn't escape Lin Zhichao's eyes.

This price is too tempting. Ships like Onassis are charged on a one-way basis. They would rather be empty at the port than rent them to you at a low price.

In the end, Niu Deng still said: "The price is not bad, but I still can't believe you! But, I can give you one chance, try once, only one chance, run a transportation, let me see your level!"

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "No problem, we are willing to accept the challenge."

Niu Deng nodded. In fact, he was very optimistic about this cooperation, because Lin Zhichao was indeed not an unknown junior in shipping, and he knew Lin Zhichao.However, a cooperative experiment is essential.

Afterwards, the two sides docked for a task. This cooperation did not even have a formal contract. It was to let four ships go to the Middle East to complete a transportation task. After passing the test, they would consider continuing to cooperate.

Of course, there is money to be taken for a trial, after all, it is not cheap, how can it be free!

Los Angeles, Audrey Toy Company.

In the office building, Audrey Hepburn, the Baroness, and Lin Zhichao are interviewing a CEO candidate.

"Mr. Rich, why did you choose to join the 'Audrey Toy Company'?" Lin Zhichao asked with a soul.

Rich is an elite talent introduced by others, but Lin Zhichao is very suspicious of his 'bad intentions'.

Sure enough, Rich said honestly: "I heard that the toy company was established by Miss Audrey, and I think this is a company with a lot of celebrity influence, which may give me a better prospect for my career."

Looking at Rich's information, Lin Zhichao is very satisfied. He has middle-level management experience in a large enterprise, and managing a small toy company is not easy.Currently, 'Audrey Toys' has only two designers plus two employees, making a total of four employees.

Lin Zhichao gave Audrey Hepburn a look. Audrey understood the meaning of his sweetheart in seconds, and got to know each other again, and said, "Congratulations, you have been admitted! I hope you can come to work as soon as possible!"

Rich was also quite surprised at this time. It turned out that Audrey told him that the company was developing a 'doll', which was a 1:6 replica of a real person.What is important is that the image of this doll is the image of a toy in the eyes of children, rather than the image of a doll imposed on children by adults-a cute little angel, round and chubby, similar to the famous child star Shirley Temple The screen image, which is the adult's imagination of children's toys.

Very novel idea!

"No problem, I can come to work in up to three days!"

After the CEO was settled, Givenchy also came to Audrey Toys in a short while. He was invited by Audrey Hepburn, hoping to design costumes for Barbie dolls.

Givenchy is curious about the relationship between Lin Zhichao and Audrey. After all, if they are just partners, why does Audrey Hepburn look like she is pregnant?

"What is your relationship?"

The baroness immediately interjected: "They are just friends, boy, if you like my daughter, you can pursue her boldly!" After finishing speaking, she looked at Lin Zhichao proudly.

She still didn't change her mind about breaking up the two of them!Although she has accepted the reality that the two are together.

Givenchy quickly shook his head and said, "Baoness, I'm afraid you have misunderstood me, Audrey and I are just friends!"

Audrey held Lin Zhichao's arm and said intimately: "I'm five months pregnant, unfortunately I can't show your clothes."

Givenchy was taken aback for a moment, and then said, "That's really a very bad thing! But I still wish you happiness!"

After a lot of playing the piano, the office finally returned to normal. Givenchy also tentatively got to know Lin Zhichao, but he only knew that it was because of a rich Chinese businessman.

As for designing costumes for Barbie dolls, Givenchy did not refuse, not only because of the cooperation with Audrey Hepburn, but also because of curiosity and trust in the Barbie dolls planned by Lin Zhichao.

That night, Lin Zhichao talked to Ella.

"Baroness, if you introduce Audrey again, I will be angry with you!" Lin Zhichao said forcefully.

Ella was stunned for a moment, she couldn't stand Lin Zhichao's strong eyes, she never thought that Lin Zhichao had such a strong aura.

"Boy, haven't you always been confident? Why are you scared now?" Ella said pretending to be calm.

"It's not that I'm afraid, but I don't want her grandma to disturb my mother and his peaceful life after the child is born." Lin Zhichao said deliberately.

When Ella heard this, she immediately wanted to be a grandmother, not to mention how sweet it is for her daughter to live with her.

"How do I know, will you give up and cheat my daughter?"

"I don't need it, I love her very much. Taking a step back, the arrival of a child will become a big concern for me. I am eager to build a large family, and I will not underestimate the cultivation of children, let alone let her Others raise my children for me. Therefore, even if Audrey doesn't like doing business, I will put a lot of investment in her name."

Ella finally compromised and said: "Okay, I won't interfere with your affairs anymore!"

Afterwards, Audrey Hepburn came out in a timely manner, and Ella suddenly said dissatisfied: "My dear girl, why are you just watching, I was taught a lesson by this guy just now!"

Audrey Hepburn held Ella's arm this time, and said softly, "Mom, this is the best way to solve the problem, isn't it?"

Good guy, obviously favoring Lin Zhichao.

In the end, everyone can finally get along peacefully.They recently spent some time in Los Angeles, mainly to deal with the toy company.After that, Ella accompanied Audrey Hepburn to settle in Zurich, Switzerland, and prepare for giving birth.

As for the toy company's affairs, I will leave it to the CEO, and just supervise occasionally.

What's more, when the child is born, the Barbie doll will not be available for a while.

(End of this chapter)