The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

A day later, Lin Zhichao and Onassis met at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.

There is probably no hotel in the world that can witness countless major historical events and receive many global celebrities like the Waldorf Astoria in New York.

The hotel opened in 1893 and was rebuilt and opened in 1931 during the Great Depression in the United States. At that time, President Hoover delivered a congratulatory speech in the Cabinet Office of the White House, saying that the hotel opened in the unprecedented Great Depression in the United States showed the integrity of the entire country. Courage and confidence.Antennas at the Waldorf Astoria picked up the message and broadcast it live to the nation.

The reconstructed Waldorf Astoria Hotel spans the entire block from 49th Street to 50th Street, with a height of 42 floors. It was the first skyscraper hotel in the world and the tallest and largest hotel in the world at that time.

The Waldorf Astoria New York is divided into two parts. The part below the 28th floor is a common room with about 28 rooms; the part above the 200th floor is called a tower building. There are nearly 180 suites, [-] of which are presidential suites.

The Waldorf Astoria has witnessed many important events in American and world history.For example, at the end of the 1946th century, Li Hongzhang, the governor of Zhili of the Qing government and minister of Beiyang, took a boat to inspect European and American countries. In New York, the hotel he stayed at was the Waldorf Astoria, becoming the first Chinese politician to stay at the hotel in history. After the end of World War II in 4, representatives of the four victorious countries, the United States, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union, signed the "World Peace Agreement" in a suite in the tower; representatives of the Allied forces signed the post-war agreement in this hotel.Eisenhower, the commander of the Allied forces during World War II and later the president of the United States, also frequented the hotel. After his death, his wife chose to live here permanently.In addition, Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, also established a permanent residence in the hotel.And every foreign dignitary arrives in New York, almost must choose the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

In the restaurant, Lin Zhichao and Onassis met for the first time.

The personalities of the two can be seen from the first glance, they are very different.

Lin Zhichao is humble and has a rigorous life. Even if he is in a relationship with Audrey Hepburn, there is no news exaggeration, and his fame is limited to the shipping industry;
Onassis, on the other hand, is full of energy, with frequent changes of female companions, constant news, and a cigar in his mouth. Underneath the gentleman is his suave, arrogant and uninhibited character.

The two introduced themselves, then sat down, and Onassis specifically asked for 'black label whiskey', which is said to be his daily hobby.

"How many new ships does Mr. Lin have?" Onassis said.

There was a hint of arrogance in the words.

He didn't ask 'how many tonnage ships', but only asked 'how many new ships', obviously thinking that Lin Zhichao developed by relying on second-hand ships.

Lin Zhichao already knew in his heart that today's gathering would not be pleasant, but he said calmly: "Let's have a million-ton new ship!"

Just a general figure!

When Onassis heard this data, he was not startled. Instead, he said: "Although Japanese shipbuilding is cheap, it can't compare to European cargo ships and oil tankers with strong foundations and a long history!"

This is the true view of many European and American shipowners, and the prejudice is quite strong.In fact, Japan's shipbuilding industry is already comparable to that of Europe, maybe a little bit worse, but it does not affect operations at all.

Lin Zhichao said: "Maybe! But I have ordered a large number of oil tankers in Germany and Japan, and there is not much difference in operation."

Onassis' eyes were full of distrust!
Lin Zhichao didn't want to delve into this topic, and asked curiously: "Mr. Onassis, how many tonnages does the fleet have?"

Onassis said: "Probably twice as much as you, Mr. Lin! Of course, old second-hand boats cannot be counted."

Next, the two began to be perfunctory, and the principle of "traveling like an enemy country" was fully demonstrated. Both sides kept their business, experience, customers and other information very confidential, and did not disclose too much.

But Lin Zhichao still got some details about Onassis. His fleet is about 200 million tons, but some ships need to be eliminated because there is not enough business.Like Greece's shipping industry, Onassis has struggled.

On the contrary, Lin Zhichao's global shipping exudes a spirit of tenacity in this crisis situation; all its second-hand ships are leased out cheaply, and there are very few vacant ships.

As for its new ships, they are also popular in Europe and the United States, because the price is more advantageous than that of Greek ships.Of course, the main reason is that Global Shipping is willing to sign a long-term contract of three or four years.

The price is already cheap and a long-term contract is signed, which is the biggest advantage.

After a simple meal, the two of them said their goodbyes, and they broke up unhappy!

Lin Zhichao's fleet may not lose to Onassis in terms of tonnage; but this arrogant Greek ship owner looks down on second-hand ships and new Japanese-made ships.

But Lin Zhichao believes that three years later, his fleet will 'become famous' in the world, because it may be a new oil tanker fleet of 350 million tons.

At that time, Onassis' fleet will not exceed 200 million tons.

With the ebb and flow, what else can he be arrogant about?

Of course, I also blame Lin Zhichao for being too low-key. The matter between him and Audrey Hepburn, once the hottest actress in Hollywood, has never been made public (the media mostly reported that Audrey Hepburn gave birth out of wedlock and was of mixed race); if this kind of thing was made public, No less influential than Onassis' scandal.

But for this kind of matter, Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn have the same opinion, that is, it cannot be made public for the time being.

After Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong, he did not go to various companies immediately, but rested at home.

Because he believes that the management of the three major industries under his umbrella is sufficient to fulfill his entrustment; and every time Lin Zhichao goes abroad, he calls the management of Hong Kong every day, and he is actually remotely controlling everything in Hong Kong.

It can be said that even if he stays overseas for three to five months, the enterprises in Hong Kong can operate normally.Lin Zhichao intends to cultivate this kind of operation mode of the company, and he is also preparing for 1967. At that time, he plans to go overseas to avoid the edge and travel around the world.

However, real estate in Hong Kong needs to buy bottoms, and companies and factories need to operate normally, so he will remotely control everything overseas.

In the Deep Water Bay villa, Xu Caiying asked with concern: "How do you feel about the New York villa?"

It was lunch time, Tang Caiyun and Lin Xiner were working in the company, Xu Caiying picked up Lin Zhichao at the airport today.

Unknowingly, Lin Zhichao has cultivated a 'backhand'. Tang Caiyun is very familiar with Cheung Kong's affairs and enjoys a certain influence in the company; layers of personnel.

As for Xu Caiying, she is also familiar with global shipping, but compared to her sister's work attitude, it is far behind; fortunately, Lin Zhichao did not force it.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It's done! In the name of Changjiang Real Estate, I bought a duplex apartment in Central Park in Manhattan; I also bought a villa in Long Island, covering an area of ​​1.5 square feet. There is a swimming pool and lawn, marina.”

There are only two properties in the area, and the total cost is only more than 30 US dollars, which can be described as extremely cheap!

Xu Caiying immediately said happily: "Then take me on vacation next time?"

Even if she is a mother, she still retains a lot of youthful and lively atmosphere, and she can't tell that she is the mother of three children.Of course, the children of the Lin family have always been brought up by servants, so they can only be said to be accompanied by their parents.

Lin Zhichao said straightforwardly: "Then early next year!"

Whether it's Tang Caiyun or Xu Caiying, they always travel abroad every year.Tang Caiyun and Lin Zhichao went abroad for a limited number of times, and they always maintained that one of them was guarding in Hong Kong. When Tang Caiyun traveled abroad, Xu Caiying accompanied her.

"Great, thank you husband!" Xu Caiying said happily.

She likes to travel with her husband and enjoy rare 'alone' time.

After lunch, Xu Caiying asked, "Honey, do you want to rest?"

In this era, flying is still hard work. It is expected that the situation will be much better in a year or two. 36 hours should be enough for Asia to fly to Europe and America.

However, Lin Zhichao is not used to sleeping during the day, and even his daily sleep time is only six or seven hours.

"How about going shopping with you?"

Xu Caiying's spirit shook immediately, she immediately took Lin Zhichao's arm and said, "Okay!"

In this way, the couple left the young and the old, and went shopping in Central by car.

Walking on the road in Central, Lin Zhichao and Xu Caiying looked like a young couple. It is hard to imagine that this is a couple of big shots who can affect Hong Kong's economy at any time.

At this time, Central Hong Kong is undergoing a transformation, high-rise buildings and old-fashioned tenement buildings are alternating, and a chemical change occurs in each other.

It is undeniable that Central is still dominated by tenement buildings, but the mutation genes of "skyscrapers" are blooming.

At present, the tallest building in Hong Kong is Yingzhi Building (completed) under Cheung Kong Holdings, which is only 22 floors high.

"Husband, ten years ago, did you already think about what Hong Kong is today?" Xu Caiying looked at some newly built buildings and suddenly asked curiously in a low voice.

In the late 40s, Lin Zhichao often took the Tang sisters to visit Central, and appeased their nostalgia for looking north; at that time, he described that Hong Kong would become the new "Shanghai stock market" ten years later, and it would be equally prosperous.

Today, Hong Kong should have done it.

"I thought about today, but I didn't expect it to happen so soon! By the way, Caiying, what do you think of Hong Kong?" Lin Zhichao asked with a smile.

Xu Caiying immediately said: "Very good. It is more attractive than the previous Shanghai stock market. Especially here is a free port, so it is convenient to go abroad. Of course, my home is in Hong Kong. My husband, sister, daughter, and son are all in Hong Kong!"

Speaking of these, she showed a happy expression.

Lin Zhichao smiled, Xu Caiying likes to travel abroad twice a year, one with Lin Zhichao and one with her sister and mother.She likes European and American trends. Under the influence of Lin Zhichao, Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying are very modern and advanced in thinking.

Of course he doesn't like his wife being an overly traditional woman, otherwise where would the husband and wife have a common language.For Lin Zhichao, he likes to enjoy, yachting, diving, surfing, skiing and so on are all his hobbies.

Walking into a watch store, Lin Zhichao and his wife tried on the watches. He took a fancy to a Rolex watch and asked, "How much is this?"

The clerk said respectfully: "300 Hong Kong dollars"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Wrap it up!"

He wasn't surprised by the price. Rolex hadn't taken the luxury line at this time, and three hundred and one watches were not uncommon.

Of course, the average salary of Hong Kong people is only in the early [-]s, which is already two months' salary.

Xu Caiying was not surprised to see that Lin Zhichao bought a 300 yuan watch. Her husband is very casual and wears middle-class clothes and leather shoes all year round—a crocodile shirt. But if you think he is a frugal person, you are wrong.

Lin Zhichao is a person who knows how to enjoy!
The couple left the watch store and continued shopping!

A clerk who served them commented in a low voice: "I thought I would buy a watch worth tens of thousands of yuan, but I didn't expect to buy a watch worth 300 yuan, and I also specially asked for a sales slip. Could it be that I was mistaken?" , not a rich man?"

The manager immediately knocked on his head, and said angrily: "Why underestimate you! In our business, don't look down on others."

The clerk quickly said: "Brother-in-law, I didn't, I just muttered behind this, and you heard it all!"

The manager said angrily: "I can hear it, which means that the customer can hear it too. Also, you have fart eyes. Others are not only rich, but also super rich. Didn't you see the two men following a man and a woman?" A person who carries bags for others. Maybe they are other people's bodyguards!"

Only then did the clerk react, and he was frightened for a while.

The next day.

In Cheung Kong's office, Hu Zhaoxu walked in.

"Boss, there will be an official land auction in early December. There is a piece of commercial land at No. 12 Des Voeux Road Central, covering an area of ​​71 square feet, with a plot ratio of 1.6 times."

Lin Zhichao raised his head calmly and said, "Well, I will personally participate in that time!"

The plot ratio is planned by the Hong Kong government. Such a high plot ratio can only show that the Hong Kong government wants the price to be higher and that this building should be surrounded by streets.

For him, as long as he likes the land, no one can shake it, including Landmark.

There are more than 2 million Hong Kong dollars lying in the account of the Yangtze River Industry Group, which is a proper cash flow.

Needless to say, in the account of global shipping, the funds are astronomical, but in recent years they will all be used for shipbuilding.

Even in Cheung Kong’s account, there is a cash flow of nearly 2000 million Hong Kong dollars, and there is no debt. This is the working capital after purchasing a reserve land of 2000 million Hong Kong dollars this year.

Hu Zhaoxu knew that the boss valued the land, so he said: "Currently, the land on Des Voeux Road may be worth more than 900 Hong Kong dollars per square foot. Some time ago, the transaction on Queen's Road was 800 Hong Kong dollars per square foot."

Lin Zhichao asked: "How is the market in Causeway Bay?"

He asked about the specific situation, and he must know the general situation.

Hu Zhaoxu immediately said: "A residential unit of more than 900 square feet can already be sold for 42000 yuan, an increase of 30% this year."

Lin Zhichao nodded, and then asked, "Have you bought the land for the head office of Hang Seng Bank?"

Hu Zhaoxu shook his head and said: "I'm not sure about this. It is said that I bought a piece of land in Queen's Road Central, but I don't know if I will participate in the bidding for No. 71 Des Voeux Road Central this time. After all, compared to Queen's Road Central, Des Voeux Road It’s a traditional banking district, with 22 banks headquartered here.”

Lin Zhichao signaled that he could do it, and Hu Zhaoxu left the office.

He took out a map and checked it, and found that the land at No. 71 Des Voeux Road Central should be the Federation Building of later generations, and later became the Wing On Group Building.

This shows that the competitors this time may be the Zhang Yuliang family and Hang Seng Bank.But without the territory of Paterson Street, the Zhang Yuliang family's strength has been greatly reduced.

No matter who is the opponent, Lin Zhichao has already taken a fancy to this coastal building site.

He has always controlled his actions on the development site. For example, he bought a total of about 25 square feet of land this year, which is seriously inconsistent with his strength.

It just so happens that investing funds in commercial buildings can reduce the waste of funds.

If No. 71 Des Voeux Road Central is photographed, a 30-32-storey building will be built, with more than 10000 square feet per floor, which can definitely be regarded as a first-class Grade A office building.

In the early 80s, this building was worth 10 billion.

Today, with an investment of around HK$3000 million, the value can be increased by more than 30 times; if the rent in the middle is added, the rate of return may be more than [-] times. (end of this chapter)