The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 194 [New Year]

Time flies, and it is 1955 in a blink of an eye.

In the morning of the first ten days of January, Lin Zhichao woke up from his sleep on time, at about six o'clock in the morning; it was already winter in Hong Kong, and most people wished to miss the warm bed for a while, but Lin Zhichao never remembered it.

Sooner or later, he sleeps forever, so why sleep too much when he is alive, so Lin Zhichao sleeps for 6-7 hours a day, and his nap is only 15 minutes, which is almost a short nap.

Of course, it cannot be said that Lin Zhichao lived a "very clear" life, it's just that he prefers to open his eyes.He is not a very disciplined person, he likes to live a life of luxury and obscenity.

For example, last month (1954.12), he lived in Switzerland for fifteen days and accompanied Audrey Hepburn to give birth.Everything went very well, and Audrey Hepburn gave birth to a son for him, whose Chinese name is 'Lin Ruidong'.Then, in the days when he was not directly involved in the work for nearly 20 days, he only learned about the company's dynamics through overseas phone calls. Naturally, he also found time to read some books at the same time as Audrey Hepburn. After all, there is not much entertainment in this era. Activity.

Lin Zhichao got up from the bed, Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying approached automatically, and the two girls continued to sleep, they couldn't get up so early at all.

Exercise your muscles, read newspapers and books, and then have breakfast with your family.

During the dinner, Lin Zhichao asked about the studies of the eldest son, Lin Ruihuan. He had already studied in the first grade of primary school for half a semester, and the school taught in English. Therefore, Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun invited a Chinese teacher to make up for him.

Happiness education does not exist, and the children of the Lin family must implement elite education.

At the end, Lin Zhichao showed a loving father's expression, and asked with concern: "Do you feel that your studies are very hard?"

Who knows, Lin Ruihuan said like a grown-up: "It's not very hard, but I think Dad, your business must be very hard!"

Lin Zhichao was taken aback for a moment, and then asked, "How do you know that my business is very hard?"

Lin Ruihuan looked at Tang Caiyun, and said seriously: "Mom said that you work very hard in business. You wake up earlier and go to bed later than me every day, so you must be working harder than me."

Lin Zhichao laughed and said, "That's not necessarily all about doing business. I, like you, am also learning. But my learning can be used to make money."

Lin Ruihuan immediately said: "That is to say, it must be very hard to make money!"

Well, Lin Zhichao could only admit it: "Yes. After a few years, you can come to the company meeting to listen in, and you will know that making money is not hard!"

Lin Ruihuan seemed to understand, but said: "Okay"

Although in Lin Zhichao's view, Lin Ruihuan has a strict personality and is a "family guard type", but this is the kind of son he wants.With the wealth and industry he can create, it is already very good that future generations can keep it.

Wealth is okay, you can set up a family trust fund and pass it on forever; but as for business, it depends on whether future generations can keep it.

In the morning, Lin Zhichao came to Qiuyi Building, which is the headquarters of Global Shipping, Cheung Kong Industries, and some departments of Cheung Kong Industries Group.

"Boss, morning"

"morning"

The employees of Global Shipping greeted the boss one after another, with 'spirited' expressions on their faces. After all, it's time to receive the 'year-end bonus' again, and everyone is full of energy.

At present, Global Shipping has about 3000 employees, and the overall salary must be the highest in Hong Kong, because the salary of seafarers itself ranks among the top three in all industries.The average salary level of ordinary seafarers in global shipping is already 200 Hong Kong dollars per month, and food and accommodation are still included on board.

"Let the finance department bring last year's report to my office!" Lin Zhichao said to his assistant Chen Tian'an.

"Ok"

After a while, Li Zhonghe, the financial manager of Global Shipping, handed him a portfolio.

Li Zhonghe knew that when the boss returned to Hong Kong, he would definitely want an annual financial report. Even if it was too late to make a detailed annual financial report, at least he had to produce an accurate financial report.

In 1954, Global Shipping had an annual profit of 2555 million US dollars and a working capital of 438 million US dollars in the account; the largest expenditure in the whole year was of course the ordering of eight 5.6-ton oil tankers, with a total payment of about 1650 million US dollars as a deposit .

"How much more than usual will you spend this month?"

"182 million Hong Kong dollars"

not much!

The extra expenses are year-end bonuses and year-end benefits. For the profitability of global shipping, it is just a sprinkle of water. Shipping is more profitable in the first place.

After reading the financial report, Lin Zhichao went to participate in the "Global Ship Technology Conference" of Global Shipping, and communicated with the captains of the ships.But now there are too many ships, so only the ships with problems will report, and then the headquarters will convey some precautions, and each ship will learn.

The things communicated by the headquarters are all based on the information feedback from the captains, as well as the summary of the management and technical staff.

环球航运目前拥有68艘船，其中64艘是货轮（含一艘新船）、4艘是油轮，总载重量达到71万吨。还拥有在建的8艘大油轮，总载重量达到45万吨。

Therefore, the global shipping fleet has a load capacity of 116 million tons.

In the afternoon, Lin Zhichao came to the Yangtze River Industrial Park.

"Boss, the two companies you mentioned have been established, and the initial personnel have been transferred from within the company." Deputy General Manager Wang Liang came to his office immediately and reported the work situation.

At this time, Wang Liang was already full of admiration in his heart. He knew that the boss would not set up two subsidiaries for no reason. There must be "shocking" products to be developed, such as plastic flowers, plastic dolls, wigs, and zippers. etc., are all products that are not available in Hong Kong, or even in the world, and they can fill the gaps in the market as soon as they are launched.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Then go to a meeting together and announce the direction of everyone's work. Now that there are more subsidiaries, the group must strengthen management and play a greater role."

Wang Liang nodded and said, "Okay."

This is a good thing, the greater the role played by the group, the greater his rights will naturally be.Of course, most of the management and technical personnel of the subsidiaries are trained by the original Changjiang Zipper Factory.

Afterwards, Lin Zhichao brought the headquarters management of the Yangtze River Industry Group to the newly built five-story factory.This factory is the fourth factory in the Yangtze River Industrial Park. In fact, the factory buildings in the Yangtze River Industrial Park are very abundant at present, but Lin Zhichao knew that the expansion would be very fast, so he arranged the factory buildings early.

Everyone came to the first newly established company - Changjiang Food and Beverage Company. This factory temporarily resides under the Changjiang Industrial Group, but it will be transferred to the Changjiang Industrial Group in the future.

"Boss, Manager Wang," the three initial personnel stepped forward to say hello.

Lin Zhichao knew these people naturally, and Wang Liang didn't need to introduce them, he also knew that the boss knew them.The Yangtze River Industries Group has a lot of reserve management and technical personnel, and these people were trained by Lin Zhichao on purpose.

"Is Chen Ping the general manager?" Lin Zhichao looked at a 30-year-old man with glasses and asked.

Wang Liang immediately said: "No appointment yet!"

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Then Chen Ping, the two of you will be his assistants."

"Okay, boss!"

Next, everyone sat down around a table.

Lin Zhichao said: "Since it is a beverage and food company, everyone understands the direction of research. But I like to make things that are not available in the market, which is more conducive to occupying the market. This time, the product we want to develop is 'instant noodles', or It's called 'instant noodles'."

For a while, everyone became confused.

Chen Ping immediately said: "There is a noodle stall in Hong Kong, which is very popular in the market. Many single workers who work overtime go to this kind of stall to cook and eat noodles after work. It is cheap and time-saving. Is the instant noodles mentioned by the boss better than Can this be better?"

For such a product, everyone can't think of it at all, which is extremely normal.

Lin Zhichao motioned Chen Ping to record it, and then said:

"The instant noodles I think of are noodles that can be eaten after being brewed with boiling water, or even eaten raw. At the same time, they must have a taste, not plain noodles."

"In this way, research and development can be divided into two directions: first, bread; second, seasoning package."

"The research and development of noodle cakes needs to consider the shelf life, so it can be steamed first, and then fried. Of course, a small amount of preservatives can be added. Similar to ramen, noodle cakes are made mechanized, then fried in a frying pan, and then picked up. "

"Noodle cakes alone are not enough, and the taste must be adjusted. Seasoning packets have appeared in the world, and you can fully learn from them. One packet of seasoning packet contains salt, monosodium glutamate and other seasonings, and one packet of seasoning packet can concentrate the chicken soup and then pack it into a sealed seasoning. Bag."

What he said seemed to be just a superficial theory, but it was these superficial theories that made the inventor of instant noodles, Iteng Baifu in his previous life, rack his brains and spend months, or even most of his time.

While recording, Chen Ping was shocked that the boss had such a good idea.

After Lin Zhichao finished speaking, Chen Ping immediately said: "This instant noodle is indeed instant noodles. After boiling water, it only takes a short time to soften, and then put in a seasoning packet. The taste is definitely better than those noodle stalls. The important thing is, The staff in the office building work overtime and don’t need to worry about supper anymore.”

Lin Zhichao said: "So I hope you will go all out and concentrate on research and development of this kind. In terms of machines, you can cooperate with Bourne Machinery in research and development."

There are no professional-level R&D personnel, but everyone is a high-level talent. It is not very difficult to develop small instant noodles. The important thing is to devote yourself to it.

Chen Ping and others immediately stated that they will definitely do their best to develop it.

Lin Zhichao left the task to his subordinates. Instant noodles have a patented technology, which seems to be called "instant hot oil drying method". If Changjiang Food and Beverage Company develops it first, in addition to gaining fame, it can also collect some Japanese patent fees.

After leaving the R&D room of instant noodles, Lin Zhichao led Wang Liang and others to another company.

"Boss, sign a confidentiality contract with them, and at least a three-year employment contract, so as to ensure that this technology will not be leaked." Wang Liang suggested.

"Okay, you can arrange it, and usually pay more attention to the progress."

"Ok"

When I came to another subsidiary company, there were only two people there. The leader was a technician named Hong Yunhao. He used to develop zippers and had a very bright mind. This was Lin Zhichao's memory.

"Sit down, let me arrange the task!"

Everyone gathered together, and Lin Zhichao said again: "This time we are going to develop a trolley case. In fact, I have already drawn a sketch." After speaking, Lin Zhichao took out the briefcase that he carried with him, and took out the blueprint that he had already made. .

Lin Zhichao knows how to draw, and he draws very well, because he has learned a lot over the years, whether it is mechanical drawings or architectural drawings, he is an expert.This has nothing to do with his brain, because he is also working hard to learn.

After Wang Liang, Hong Yunhao and others circulated it, they were suddenly pleasantly surprised.

Hong Yunhao immediately said: "Is this a suitcase? For example, if I go on a trip, packing my luggage in this kind of suitcase will save me a lot of energy on the road. It's really a great thing."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It can also be called a suitcase, but a trolley suitcase is more appropriate. After all, don't suitcases exist now? It's just that there are no wheels and drawbars."

Wang Liang also expressed his opinion, saying: "The current suitcases are either rattan or wooden. What kind of material should be used for this trolley case? This is a direction that can be studied, such as plastic or resin."

Lin Zhichao said: "Materials are not the key research direction. What is important for us is to apply for a patent after researching this aluminum alloy tie rod and the use of wheels. Remember, this patent must be applied in the United States, the United Kingdom, etc. , as a global patent."

"it is good"

Leaving the sketches to Hong Yunhao, Lin Zhichao led Wang Liang and others to the Changjiang Toy Factory again.

In addition to the establishment of two new companies, Changjiang Toy Factory also established a new research and development studio, which is the Rubik's Cube.Hong Kong has no shortage of talents in the Department of Architecture, so it is not difficult to find R&D personnel for this studio.

"Boss, Manager Wang," Ke Yanping greeted quickly when he saw the group's senior management mobilized.

"Well, how is the situation in the toy factory?" Lin Zhichao said casually.

Ke Yanping immediately reported: "The development is very smooth. Last year we produced 15 Billie Lilies and manufactured 210 million toys. At present, we are already producing 'Barbie dolls', and the first batch of [-] is ready for immediate delivery. Sent to America."

"Yes, it's going well, but it's just the beginning."

"Yes!"

Afterwards, everyone came to a R&D room with only three employees, including a top student from the Department of Architecture and a top student from the Department of Mechanical Engineering.As long as it is not developing sophisticated high-tech products, Hong Kong has no shortage of talents.

For example, the production of 'transistor' radios can be produced in Hong Kong, but transistors must be imported from Japan; Hong Kong's electronics industry developed in this way in the previous life, importing transistors from Japan, and then producing radios, exporting millions of units every year .

Later, Japan discovered that Hong Kong radios had affected Japanese radios, so they banned the sale of transistors to Hong Kong; Hong Kong manufacturers turned to imports from European countries such as Britain and the United States, which still posed a great threat to the Japanese radio industry because they were cheap.

Therefore, the products proposed by Lin Zhichao were developed by Hong Kong with full technical strength.Including the 'instant noodle machine', he can hand it over to Bourne Machinery Factory for production, but the research and development is done by Changjiang Industrial Group and Bourne Machinery, which can be done completely.

"We need to develop a toy that develops children's intelligence. I call it 'Rubik's Cube'. This is a sketch of a second-order imitation. You can take a look. The task of this game is to combine 4 pieces of each side of the six sides The color of the grid is uniform like this, and the game is completed by twisting. Starting over, just mess up the colors."

This product seems simple, but it is a bit difficult, because the cube of the Rubik's Cube can be twisted "at will", which involves mechanics and so on.Lin Zhichao dismantled the Rubik's Cube before, but his memory is incomplete. He only knows that there are structures such as bases and screws inside. However, as long as there is a research direction, the Rubik's Cube is not difficult.

What's more, if there is no Changjiang Toys Factory to develop this thing, it will not appear until 20 years later!
Slowly develop it!
A research and development engineer said: "The idea of ​​this Rubik's Cube has been perfected. The key now is the internal structure. If you want to switch at will, you will undoubtedly need a lot of research related to mechanics and structure."

Everyone expressed their opinions one after another. Some thought it was simple, while others thought it seemed simple but actually complicated.

In the end, it was Lin Zhichao who said: "It's not difficult, it's not important. Important R&D personnel should concentrate on doing R&D work. The company will give you enough logistical support, and you can also learn relevant knowledge while doing R&D. "

"Yes, boss!"

Lin Zhichao nodded. This thing is very R&D-oriented, and R&D personnel will be gradually added in the later stage.Moreover, the second-order Rubik's cube is followed by the third-order Rubik's cube, and the technology between the two cannot be used universally, after all, the mechanics are different.

Giving out three products in one breath, Lin Zhichao also breathed a sigh of relief.

This is the second wave of three products, and the first wave of products is wigs, plastic flowers, Beau Lily, Barbie dolls.The first wave of products has almost all succeeded, and there is only one Barbie doll that needs to pass the market test.

After leaving the laboratory, Lin Zhichao separated from everyone and came to Changjiang Plastic Factory, where he happened to meet Tao Derong.

"boss"

"Well, let me hear how the plastic flower is developing?"

Tao Derong brought Lin Zhichao to the production area, and reported to the work: "At present, the number of workers has increased to more than 300, and the expansion is still continuing. Agents in Europe and the United States have begun to order one after another, and generally speaking, it has become popular. After all, The site area is large, and the flow of people is relatively scattered, so the popularity is slower."

In Hong Kong, it only took more than three weeks for plastic flowers to enter thousands of households. It can be said that it became popular overnight.

"At the same time, we found out that some female workers were spies planted by others. I just fired them, and there was no other embarrassment. After all, the plastic flower technology is in the hands of our technicians, and they all signed a three-year contract , so the technology will not flow out. Businessmen who want to enter this industry outside can only buy samples for research, and there will be no results in a short time."

After listening to the report, Lin Zhichao said: "Well, in another month, I will let some Shunde businessmen come to the factory for inspection, but the technology will not tell them the details, you just need to grasp the degree. At the same time, you can consider using plastic The flowering process is divided into one for outsiders to take home for production, and then deliver it to us later. In this step, I also plan to take care of my fellow villagers in Shunde, so you can catch up on the work.”

Tao Derong immediately said: "The process the boss said is to wear plastic flowers!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Well, you can evaluate for yourself whether external processing will save costs, and will it affect the quality."

Tao Derong said: "At present, it should be very good. It can save costs and will not affect the quality. I will discuss it with my colleagues later."

Lin Zhichao nodded, and said: "There is another advantage of doing this. When overseas manufacturers inspect our factory in the future, they can explain this. In this way, it is equivalent to us supporting many families, so those businessmen will give priority to it. us."

Tao Derong's eyes lit up, and he said, "Wonderful! This is also an industry advantage!"

Indeed, overseas businessmen will take this into consideration, because Hong Kong has been a target of "humanitarian assistance" for several years; Western countries believe that competing for popular support in Hong Kong is a heavy blow to different camps.Especially when the person on the opposite side ran to Hong Kong, this is a very good public opinion propaganda.

And Lin Zhichao originally planned to make wigs and plastic flowers into the base camp of "Shunde nationality" businessmen.

In the previous life, 55% of the plastic flower industry was done by Chaoshan people. Li Jiacheng also contributed to this. Li Jiacheng also established the "Chaoqiao Plastic Flower Chamber of Commerce" with two people, which established the dominance of Chaoshan people in plastic flowers.

Today, Lin Zhichao is a businessman from Shunde, so he naturally gives priority to taking care of his fellow villagers from Shunde.He enjoys a high reputation in the three major chambers of commerce in Shunde—the Chamber of Commerce, the Friendship Association, and Mianyuantang. Some people even suggested that Lin Zhichao should unify the three chambers of commerce.It's just that Lin Zhichao still vetoed this suggestion, and he would not spend energy on building a chamber of commerce.

(End of this chapter)