The Birth of the Hong Kong Island Family.

Chapter 283 [White House Chat]

After returning to Hong Kong for a week, Lin Zhichao started his trip to Europe and America.

When he came to New York, he immediately met with Malcolm McLean.

At the beginning, with Lin Zhichao's guidance, the "Father of Containers" won the bet that Kennedy was elected President of the United States.You know, at that time, Kennedy had a 5% chance of being selected, or even lower; so Malcolm McLean leaned forward at that time, and quickly gained Kennedy's trust and became a very good friend.

"Lin, I will suggest to President Kennedy to receive you, so please stay in New York during this time." Malcolm McLean said seriously.

Although Lin Zhichao has been received by the heads of state of Britain, France, Germany, and Japan, he has not yet met the president of the United States.After all, the president of the United States is the oldest in the world, and it is still a bit difficult to meet him.

Of course, Lin Zhichao's fleet has always been a mystery. It has been rumored outside that it is less than 200 million tons, and old ships account for half of it.Otherwise, if Lin Zhichao's true strength is displayed, the President of the United States will take the initiative to meet him.

The reason why the ship king is so influential is because 90% of the world's trade has to be transported by sea.At the same time, of course, shipbuilding is the economic backbone of many countries.

"No problem, thanks to Mr. Malcolm McLean for his introduction!" Lin Zhichao said seriously.

Naturally, he also wanted to meet Kennedy, an excellent president, who was said to be very attractive.When he ran for the presidency, his appearance and good conversation were an important reason for his victory over Nixon, because many American women were Kennedy's "brain fans".

Malcolm McLean said mysteriously: "Lin, I haven't forgotten your contribution, so I told President Kennedy at the beginning that you supported him very early, but because of your status, it is inconvenient to join his campaign." team. He has been very touched, but he never thought that your blessings would really make him successful in being elected."

When he contacted Kennedy, Kennedy had not yet announced his election, so he successfully joined the 18-member campaign team and became a close friend of the president; after the election was successful, he could have been appointed as an official, but he chose to continue doing business.But a friendship with the president developed, leading him to decide to push container shipping between the U.S. and Europe.

Lin Zhichao was flattered and said: "That is really my honor!"

Afterwards, the two exchanged their opinions on the development of containers. Now that Malcolm McLean has the president as a friend, he can minimize the interference of labor unions behind container transportation; The advantages of transportation will be seen by all countries immediately, which promotes the development of containers.

At the same time, at that time, Lin Zhichao and Malcolm McLean will build a temporary container terminal in Kwai Chung, Hong Kong, to supply the US with materials to support Vietnam; in this way, the container transportation between America and Asia will be opened up.

Step by step, then as the first global shipping company to participate, it will naturally be given priority in obtaining the tender for the Kwai Chung Container Terminal.

If the Hong Kong government develops container terminals, it will inevitably set up a committee, and the first three terminals will definitely have political factors; as a Chinese, Lin Zhichao is at a disadvantage, so he must win over his allies and get a share first.

There is no need to show too much aggression, which will arouse the resentment of the British capital and the British Hong Kong government, and thus startle the snake. In Lin Zhichao's view, the bulk of the Kwai Chung Container Terminal in Hong Kong was tendered in the 80s, and he had plenty of time.What's more, Wharf and Hutchison are in his pocket, and he will never lack the container terminal in Kwai Chung in the future.

"By the way, Lin, what's your opinion on container ships?" Malcolm McLean asked modestly.

Since getting along with Lin Zhichao, he knew that Lin Zhichao's shipping skills were very high.

Lin Zhichao said: "At present, container ships are all rebuilt, and there is no shipyard to build them. I personally think that the American Victory ship is more suitable for remodeling, with a large deck."

The reason why the deck of the Victory Freighter is large is that it was necessary to put tanks and other military equipment on it during World War II.

Malcolm McLean nodded and said, "The victory wheel is indeed a better type of modification, but the bottom is too hollow and prone to instability. Therefore, the center of gravity at the bottom must be increased."

Lin Zhichao echoed and said: "Yes, the bottom gravity can be strengthened to stabilize the center of gravity. Moreover, the Victory type ships are all ship types in the early 40s, and the cost of refitting is relatively low, which is very cost-effective. As far as I know, the American Victory type freighters are still There are a lot of second-hand ones."

Malcolm McLean's eyes lit up, and he said immediately: "Not bad! By the way, do you need it, and I can find a few for you?"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "I have saved a few ships over the years, it should be enough."

Malcolm McLean said in surprise: "Could it be that you thought about container transportation a long time ago?"

Lin Zhichao said with regret: "In 1953, I wanted to conduct container experiments in Hong Kong and Japan, but you know, I was not strong enough at that time, and my influence was not enough. Because of this, I wrote that article in 1954 .”

Malcolm McLean said with a smile: "So, the title of 'Father of Containers' should belong to you."

"Haha, I am so young, how can I bear this honor!"

"It makes sense, then I'll wear it!"

The two laughed and joked.

The two of them, at this time, are more like a pair of close friends who have formed an alliance for their ideals, and they often discuss the development of containers.

While waiting to be interviewed by Kennedy, Lin Zhichao was not idle. On this day, he came to the New York branch of Global Shipping, which is second only to the Hong Kong headquarters. Vice President Bobby Blair often works here.

In fact, the Japanese market is currently the most important for global shipping. Four of the eight 8-ton oil tankers that have been launched have been leased to Japanese customers.As for the eight 8-ton oil tankers that will be launched one after another, Lin Zhichao has finalized three of them last month, and they are leased by Nippon Shipping and Sanko Shipping respectively.

The remaining five ships are naturally sold to European and American customers.At present, there are three European and American customers of Global Shipping—Exxon, Deseco, and Clam.

"boss"

"Well, Vice President Bobby, long time no see."

Bobby greeted Lin Zhichao at the door with several management members, and then everyone inspected the branch together.There are about a dozen employees, and there is a dedicated information receiving room.

"Exxon, Deshigu, what's the progress?" Lin Zhichao asked.

Since Bobby took office, Lin Zhichao has taken him with him to visit three customers in Europe and the United States, and will serve as their liaison in the future; Lin Zhichao will still personally participate in the leasing of large oil tankers, but Bobby can help him a lot.

Bobby said: "Including the Clam Petroleum Company, the three customers are interested in leasing. They say that they are very satisfied with the [-]-ton oil tanker we built and the quality of the seafarers. They are willing to strengthen cooperation. He expressed his willingness to cooperate once and hopes to lease a [-]-ton oil tanker for a period of three years."

Lin Zhichao said: "There are still five ships, and I have sold three in Japan, and the four companies are all striving for cooperation; especially Wuyou Petroleum, we will cooperate once this year, and we can continue to cooperate next year."

He has now experienced the influence brought by fame and reputation, and many customers actively seek cooperation.Global Shipping has become famous because it has launched eight 8-ton oil tankers and has become the largest owner of the top ten largest oil tankers in the world.

At the same time, in order to control these oil tankers, Global Shipping has deployed a large number of experienced senior seafarers on them, and even equipped foreign senior seafarers as consultants.

Bobby said: "The five ships are not a problem. They can be officially put into operation as soon as they are in the water. There is no need to delay a day. By the way, boss, I suggest building several [-]-[-]-ton oil tankers, which are fast. Occasionally, these oil companies in Europe and the United States are in urgent need of oil, and small oil tankers can just make up for this problem. Second-hand sub-new ships are also good, and they are a good choice. Shipping is still a bit sluggish this year, but it should improve next year."

Lin Zhichao said without hesitation: "You implement this plan, and I will review the details later, and then you will be responsible."

Let go!

Bobby immediately said, "Okay!"

After entering this company, he realized that the boss is the real world ship king and definitely the world's largest independent ship owner.The total assets of Global Shipping is about [-] million US dollars (above), who can compare?

At this time, Onassis could look up to his boss.

The important thing is that the boss not only has a very good relationship in the Japanese shipping industry, but also has established certain cooperative relationships in Europe and the United States; after he joined the company, he intuitively felt how good these huge relationship networks are.

A few days later, Lin Zhichao came to the White House in Washington and was officially received by Kennedy. Malcolm McLean accompanied him to the interview.The official explanation must be that the President of the United States is concerned about the development of container transportation. In fact, the three parties understand that they have been in contact a year and a half ago.

The meeting was chosen in the President's Office, and there were no reporters when the two sides met, only the staff of the President's Office were present.

"Mr. President, hello!" Lin Zhichao didn't seem servile because Kennedy was the president of the United States.

On the contrary, in line with his elegant demeanor, he just bowed slightly, with a hearty smile on his face, and shook hands with Kennedy.

Kennedy looked at Lin Zhichao curiously, and then said seriously: "I am the youngest president of the United States, and you are also the youngest billionaire in the world. It seems that we are very destined."

Lin Zhichao said modestly: "You are too much!"

Then everyone stood and chatted easily, without too many rules, in the office of the President of the United States.

Lin Zhichao looked at the president's desk, then touched it curiously with his hands, and asked, "Is this the desk that Queen Victoria gave to the President of the United States?"

Kennedy walked in with a smile, then patted it hard twice, and said, "Mr. Lin, even though you feel its history hard, it's not that fragile."

Very funny president!

Then a staff member of the President's Office officially introduced the history of this desk to Lin Zhichao.

This desk was when a British expedition ship crashed during the period when the relationship between Britain and the United States was not good. More than 100 seamen on board all died. So important to Britain that two ships were even sent to follow the trail.

In the end, in order to ease the relationship with the United Kingdom, the United States sent a fleet to find and tow it back to the United Kingdom.At this time, the United States had already become independent, and Queen Victoria also wanted to ease the relationship with the United States, so she divided the ship into three desks, two of which were placed in Windsor Castle, and the other was given to President Franklin of the United States.

In fact, Lin Zhichao also knows that this desk has been used in the United States for more than 140 years, and has served as many presidents; the most famous, of course, is the romantic affair between Kennedy and Nixon, which has devastated this desk. Of course, many of them are American gossips. Most of the news.

After chatting relaxedly for a while, the relationship between the three of them improved greatly.

Kennedy admired Lin Zhichao very much, especially before he ran for the presidency, he heard from Malcolm McLean that the Chinese predicted that he would be elected president, which somewhat gave him some strength.Although it was inconvenient for Lin Zhichao to be interviewed because of his Chinese identity during the campaign, he always remembered Lin Zhichao.

Afterwards, Kennedy sat on the presidential throne, and Lin Zhichao and Malcolm McLean stood directly in front of the desk, chatting casually, and better heard Kennedy talking.

Although the gathering was official, there were no journalists or other participants, and Kennedy left two office staff behind.

The entire conversation seemed to be a private meeting, but Lin Zhichao would not take it lightly. A person who can become the president of the United States would not be pure in heart.

Therefore, he can position himself very well and be more formal.

So, but Kennedy asked: "Mr. Lin, I heard that you suggested building a container terminal in Hong Kong, which will facilitate the logistics guarantee of the US in Vietnam in the future. Can I understand that you think we are fighting for justice?" fight, fight for freedom?"

Lin Zhichao immediately explained: "Your Excellency, I am a businessman, nothing more. The reason why I say this is that I hope container transportation can become a mainstream of world shipping, because it is really a great invention and such a good transportation method." , I naturally hope that it will become popular.”

Seeing this, Kennedy stopped talking about politics, but discussed shipping containers.

During the period, everyone also discussed the development of oil tanker shipping. Kennedy is also very willing to participate in these topics, and he is a very charismatic person.

"I am happy for Mr. Lin to participate in the economic construction of the United States and contribute to our oil transportation in the United States."

"It's my pleasure!"

Kennedy then said: "I have a personal question. Has Mr. Lin's fleet really surpassed Onassis?"

He and Onassis also know each other, so I asked this question.

Lin Zhichao said: "It should be that soon there will be as many as Mr. Niagos and Mr. Onassis combined!"

In the past few years, the number of Greek shipowners has decreased sharply, while that of Lin Zhichao has increased. The strength of him and Onassis reached its peak last year.

This year, more than 90 tons of oil tankers and cargo ships will be launched in global shipping, and more than 100 million tons of ships will be launched next year.

When Lin Zhichao said this, he was not exaggerating.

As for telling Kennedy this, it doesn't matter, Kennedy will not go to the media to promote it.What's more, Lin Zhichao's fleet will increase and will not stop.Just like Huaxia in the previous life, the weapons displayed were never the most advanced. If they can be displayed, there must be more advanced ones coming soon.

Kennedy immediately exclaimed: "The real ship king is in Hong Kong, not Greece!"

He had heard Malcolm McLean say that Lin Zhichao's fleet had not lost to Onassis, and it turned out that it was still too underestimated.

The entire interview lasted about an hour, and then Lin Zhichao and Malcolm McLean left. After all, as the president of the United States, Kennedy is still very busy.

The last stop in the United States, Lin Zhichao came to Los Angeles to date Audrey Hepburn.

"Honey, this year IBM's growth rate is very strong, and the stock price has exceeded 600 US dollars per share." As soon as we met, Audrey Hepburn shared the joy of wealth.

Women, eventually lost to wealth.

Lin Zhichao put his arms around her waist and asked with a smile: "Then Miss Audrey, how much wealth do you have?"

Audrey Hepburn immediately put her arms around Lin Zhichao's neck, leaned closer and said, "There are already more than 3500 million US dollars! My dear, should we sell some, I am a little worried that it will fall!"

Lin Zhi slapped Audrey Hepburn's buttocks fiercely, and then said, "Do you doubt me?"

Audrey Hepburn's eyes were full of affection, and she said eagerly, "I dare not, anyway, you gave me all this wealth!"

Lin Zhichao still rested his hands on the two petals, rubbed them vigorously, and said: "Don't worry, it will be sold at the end of the year, and it is guaranteed to be worth more than 4000 million. At that time, all will be emptied, and you can use the funds to buy some properties. The funds are reserved to wait for the opportunity.”

"Well, I listen to you!"

"Ahem. Can the two of you pay attention to the heart of an old man like me!" In the villa, Ella said seriously.

At this time, the baroness was holding Lin Ruinan, who was three years old, and appeared next to the two of them.

Lin Zhichao didn't really care about it, but he let go of his hands, put his arms around Audrey Hepburn's waist instead, and said, "Ella, prepare a big meal for us, we will be very hungry later!"

Immediately, she went upstairs with Audrey Hepburn in her arms, not forgetting to pinch her son's little cheek.

"Grandma, Mom and Dad are fighting upstairs again!"

In the past few years, Aila has been immersed in interacting with her grandchildren, so she naturally dotes on Lin Ruinan, and said with a smile: "It's not a fight, but a fight!"

Sure enough, there was some movement upstairs after a while, and it became louder and louder. Ella could only take the child outside to play.

The long-lost enthusiasm is staged upstairs.

Lin Zhichao's current three wives are still young and beautiful, and their relationship is also very good. They belong to the kind of existence that can communicate at any time.

That night, the eldest son Lin Ruidong also came back from school, and the family had dinner together.

Ella took the opportunity to say, "Lin, Audrey Toys is about to go on the market, so you're not worried that Hepburn will lose her management right?"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "This company is not important. Its only function is to make Audrey famous and rich. But now that it has been achieved, it is not so important anymore. What's more, Audrey is still the owner of this company. The chairman of the company, the spiritual leader, so you don't have to worry, Ella."

Audrey Hepburn has become a representative of Hollywood actresses, transformed from a star to a businessman, the most successful model, and has become a real high society and aristocrat.

It can be said that with the addition of the Audrey Toy Company, even the American chaebols dare not touch Audrey Hepburn, because Barbie's influence is too great, causing Audrey Hepburn, the "mother of Barbie", to be popular among children. Great influence.

Ella nodded and said, "Yes, but now that Audrey is investing in stocks, I think the risk is a bit high."

She lives with her daughter now and rarely contacts her two sons. Lin Zhichao is not worried that she will cheat Audrey's property to her son, because Ella is not that kind of person.

Ella now regards herself as a member of the family, and has long since rejected Lin Zhichao, and takes care of each other with Audrey.

"No! Next year Audrey can set up her own investment company, and she can invest in real estate, hotels, and stocks in the future. I won't treat her badly."

Audrey Hepburn immediately said: "Mother, don't worry about these things, I will invest now!"

Ella just stopped this topic!

In fact, Lin Zhichao has already planned an investment company for Audrey Hepburn, which will have almost 4500 million US dollars by the end of this year; then set up a formal investment company next year, strengthen investment, purchase hotels and office buildings, and then mortgage; Buying IBM at the bottom, Audrey's net worth may reach 1967 million US dollars in 2.

With ease, he became an important branch of Lin Zhichao's family.

As for whether Audrey Hepburn will betray, Lin Zhichao is not worried: First, he did not pay much, and he can even be said to be a white wolf; after all, without Audrey Hepburn, he would not be able to sell Barbie dolls. Detonate Europe and the United States; as for stocks, he just came up with an idea, and it was completely worthless.

Second, Audrey Hepburn had already given birth to two sons for him, and if not, the property still belonged to his sons.

Third, after so many years of training, Audrey Hepburn has become his faithful woman, and her spiritual and physical imprints will not be easily lost.

(End of this chapter)