Zhu Tian: The Fiery Years Begin with Taking Qin Huairu as a Concubine

Chapter 319 Crude Oil Depot

Wang Yongfu also said:

"Senior Zhang! Their manufacturing industry is well developed, and everyone needs U.S. dollars to buy their products. Logically, gold is continuing to flow into the United States."

"So given the speed of economic development, it would be fine for them to issue extra US dollars!?"

Zhang Kaiwu smiled and said:

"You are right to have this idea, but you only see the surface. If I desperately buy up gold in the market, what if the US dollar cannot remain stable in the future? You have to know that things in the world are unpredictable."

"But there are some things that are necessary, such as energy, water, and food. These basic resources are used by everyone and are valuable in themselves."

"For example, your Great Britain has an overabundance of pheasants, and even now needs to import food from the United States. You in Europe need to buy natural gas and oil from Eastern Europe."

“Once the economy really grows, this currency will definitely not be able to be anchored to gold because the amount of gold is too small.”

The Duke of York said hastily:

"So what's the point of your little business? What does it have to do with shipbuilding?!"

Zhang Kaiwu did not explain, but smiled and said:

"You will understand after listening to this. Don't worry! The Rockefeller family knows this, right? "

The Duke of York took a puff of his cigar and said:
"Of course! The first trust company in America, the oil giant controls America's oil prices and oil products. It's super rich."

"If it weren't for America's control, they would have driven America's oil prices through the roof. Even if it was split into 43 companies, it's still actually controlled by the family."

Zhang Kaiwu smiled and said:

"Today's energy and chemicals, many things are related to crude oil. Whoever controls energy controls the world."

"Where do Eastern Europeans get their money? Why is the ruble so valuable now? As far as I know, they don't have that much gold."

The Duke of York had already thought of something, and asked quickly:

"Eastern Europe relies mainly on energy exports. As long as Europe needs crude oil and natural gas, the ruble will not collapse. You mean to do a small business in crude oil!"

Zhang Kaiwu smiled and said:

"It has something to do with crude oil. The United States and Eastern Europe are similar. Their domestic currencies are ostensibly anchored to gold. But in fact, the actual support is secretly anchored to crude oil."

"Due to supply and demand, the price of crude oil is now fluctuating greatly. The highest price is $1.30 a barrel, and the lowest is only 70 to 80 cents. This price is to maintain the current economic health and is a price that everyone agrees on."

"In the future, whether it's the economy of the United States or Eastern Europe, they want their own currencies to be stable, and those battles will be centered around crude oil."

"For example, there may be all kinds of rumors in the future, such as crude oil is running out!? Price increase! For example, the United States wants to control the export of Eastern European energy to the west!? For example, everyone will use agents to fight in the crude oil producing areas!?"

"Maybe the price of crude oil will increase several times, ten times, or even more!? For example, if a war breaks out today and the price of crude oil increases tenfold, the poor Duke of Argyll's cotton mill will go bankrupt!?"

The Duke of York thought for a long time, stroked his beard and asked:

"I know what you mean. You mean that the price of crude oil will be artificially raised in the future, and others will fight wars while you speculate on crude oil to make a fortune."

"You mean that your shipyard produces tankers to haul oil, but what does that have to do with your shipyard? Even though your two crude oil refineries are large, they can't store that much crude oil. A large refinery can only store a few million barrels at most!"

"When the crude oil inventory increases, the cost of storing it in steel tanks becomes very high. It is also very dangerous to store it for a long time, as the crude oil will react chemically with the steel tanks."

"Someone has thought of this storage method a long time ago, but steel tanks are not convenient to keep. If someone sends a fighter jet to bomb you by mistake, you won't have anywhere to ask the insurance company for compensation. The business risk is too high and it's not worth it!"

Ha ha ha ha ha!
Zhang Kaiwu took a puff of his cigar, blew out smoke rings and said with a smile:

"Of course I know that! I actually have a way to deal with the storage of crude oil. It can store crude oil in large quantities without time limit. Not a few million barrels, but billions of tons."

"And this storage method is also very safe. Even nuclear bombs cannot pose a threat!"

This is really breaking news, it is simply unimaginable.

Although he is a traditional old navy, it does not mean that he does not understand the strategic significance of crude oil reserves.

In the past, every country had a strategic oil depot, but because it was difficult to preserve, the crude oil was stored in steel tanks. The amount of crude oil in the base was not large, generally maintained at millions of tons.

Even if the inventory is in the millions of tons, the cost will be very high.

The Duke of York said in surprise:
"Dear Earl Zhang! Are you sure that the crude oil depot can withstand nuclear bomb attacks and can be stored for a long time? The strategic value is simply too great. I have never heard of such technology!"

Zhang Kaiwu pointed at the map in his hand and said with a smile:

"The reason why I came to Borneo to set up a shipbuilding factory is related to the topography here. I have a crude oil processing plant on the opposite island of Kalimantan."

"That's because there are a lot of rock caves on Kalimantan Island, some left over from coal mining and some formed naturally, which are very suitable for transformation into crude oil storage depots."

"In fact, nothing can store crude oil better than natural salt caverns. Hundreds of meters underground, the nature of crude oil storage is under high pressure. The salt crust in the salt cavern will form a high-density substance and will not produce any chemical reaction with crude oil. It can even be used to store natural gas, which is 100 times safer than steel tanks."

"The crude oil is piled up in an underground salt depot several hundred meters underground. If we just build up the surface of the crude oil depot and then bury it, who's nuclear bomb can reach that depth!?"

The Duke of York asked in surprise:
"Oh my god! How did you know this? Did you use natural salt caves to conduct crude oil storage experiments?!"

Zhang Kaiwu said seriously:

"Of course! You can experiment with this secretly, but don't let it out for now. This transformation method requires a large amount of sea salt to accumulate the salt crust in the salt caverns, and a large cave to store crude oil. It just so happens that the conditions here are not bad, so the transformation is very simple."

"The temperature at the equator is high here, so it's almost free to build a few salt fields. And compared to other places, this place is very close to the oil production areas in the Middle East, so it's very convenient to transport crude oil."

"Also, our company's bank has an agreement with Princess Ning Ping, so there is no high inheritance tax or estate tax. The cost of the land is basically free, and you can store the crude oil for one, two, or even a thousand years without any problem!"

"I suggest that the Duke of York and the others collectively invest in setting up a crude oil storage base. Perhaps it would be a simple investment of 100 million or 200 million US dollars, and the income would be 100 billion or 200 billion US dollars in the future. Of course, the more you invest, the greater the return!"

"Otherwise, I will ask Princess Ning Ping to waive all the venue fees for you."

………………

Wang Yongfu is a smart man. He only understood the trick after hearing this. Senior Zhang really thinks far ahead. He is still thinking about defeating the bandits, while others are thinking about how to stabilize the currency.

If the Duke of York wants to invest and make a fortune, he must support and cheer for Zhang Xuechang and Princess Ning Ping.

After Zhang Xuechang invested in this shipbuilding factory, he would not only be able to take on endless orders for his own tankers, but also be able to take on transportation orders from the Duke and others.

Even Borneo's huge crude oil reserves can stabilize the Borneo currency market just like gold reserves.

Get it in one fell swoop!
It doesn't cost a penny, the cost is just some unused underground caves, and it can also be exchanged for a large number of jobs.

The construction of salt caves requires workers, the purchase of crude oil must be accounted for from here, and the transportation requires a large number of ships.

Wang Yongfu analyzed it secretly and understood it immediately. This bait is so fragrant!
If I were a rich person or a national figure, I would also want to build a strategic crude oil depot here.

Regardless of which need it is, it will drive the economic development of Borneo.

.....................

The Duke of York understood what he had heard while looking at the large map in his hand. His eyes showed strong interest. If he participated in this matter, wouldn't he be able to make money from the war together? ?
There are many things that Zhang Bo has not said. Those bankers on Wall Street in the United States are preparing to instigate independence in the Middle East all day long. If they want to stir up trouble in the future, are they working for themselves?!
You guys just go and fight and cause trouble, it's none of my business, I'll just follow suit and raise the price.

Even if I sell crude oil without raising the price, I can keep it for my own use in the future. The actual value of this thing is there. Even if I speculate on the fluctuation of crude oil prices, I can make a fortune.

He also understood a little bit of the deeper meaning of what Zhang Bojue said. He wanted Great Britain's help and support, so that they could carry out economic kidnapping together!
Regarding the Dutch affairs, shouting slogans to support Princess Ning Ping's independence will make the matter reasonable and legal.

When it comes to the issue of the Japanese, we need them to pay the money honestly.

but!

Anything that can make everyone rich cannot be called economic kidnapping. That is called common development and looking to the future.

It is only right for them to take some responsibility, otherwise would Earl Zhang have told me about this matter of getting rich! ?
If it is really possible to store crude oil in large quantities indefinitely, how much will it be worth in the future! ?
According to the current upward trend of crude oil prices, the price fluctuations will be huge, and the money you earn in the future will only increase.

Besides, this is Earl Zhang’s territory, and the bank provides tax-free services.

If this matter is done successfully, by buying low and selling high, the crude oil assets here will become the resource foundation of the family in the future.

Much more reliable than the British pound!
The pound may depreciate, and crude oil will only become more valuable.

………………

Zhang Kaiwu did not continue to explain here. If they are not tempted by this kind of business that is sure to make them rich, then they are really not worthy of being nobles.

The Duke of York also smiled and said:
"Dear Zhang! You introduced me to such a good business, I will definitely take part in it. I will at least bring you several hundred million in investment."

This is the case with the noble gentlemen of Great Britain. As long as it is something that can make money, they will do it seriously and don't worry about any risks at all.

Zhang Kaiwu said seriously:

"In fact! If you do well in this business, you will never be short of money for the rest of your life. No matter how much money you want to spend, the bank will beg you to spend it!"

"You should know that I'm not short of money. If I spread the word, all the banks will beg to lend me money!"

The Duke of York smiled and said:

"Indeed! Only when you control the resources can you control everything. I believe the company can do well, and others will figure it out too."

"I personally support the Borneo issue very much. I believe that others will also be compassionate and supportive."

Zhang Kaiwu said with a smile:
"Duke of York! That makes me feel relieved! How about we go to the Dutch prisoner-of-war camp after lunch to relax. I heard that they are working very positively there. Even though there are more than 200,000 people, they are well settled. The women and children should not be abused. They are all doing manual work."

"I heard that some Dutch girls fell in love with Chinese boys and formed happy families."

This Earl Zhang is so unforgiving!

The Duke of York smiled awkwardly, looked at the coolies working under gunfire at the dock, and said:
"Dear Zhang! I was just saying this casually. What does the Dutchman's matter have to do with Great Britain?!"

"When I return, I will persuade them to pay the ransom as soon as possible, as well as the war compensation for Borneo."

Zhang Kaiwu smiled and said:

"That's great! I actually sympathize with Princess Ning Ping's situation. You know I am a soft-hearted person."

The Duke of York looked at him with a smile and said, “Your pirate group has started robbing. You are so soft-hearted!”
After the few people had lunch together, the Duke of York immediately ran away and flew back to London.

This is not something he can do alone. He needs at least everyone's support. The bigger the investment, the better.

When it comes to making a fortune, the noble gentlemen of Great Britain are always running very fast.

Just like the Indian temple family, this fortune-making business cannot last overnight.

As for the matter of the Dutch captives, the Duke of York also helped to speak for him. If Earl Zhang disagreed, it was Earl Zhang's business.

It’s none of his York family’s business!

………………

Wang Yongfu chatted with him for the whole morning and had lunch, and got to know Zhang Kaiwu's thoughts and the way he did things.

Everything was a wise plan. Watching him pull the Duke of York onto his chariot without making a fuss, I was truly in awe of him.

Although Zhang Xuechang seems to have caused great unrest in the Strait of Malacca, he always manages to get others to join him in causing trouble.

In the end, you can even put the blame on others instead of shifting the focus of the conflict to yourself.

When they first started dealing with the Dutch, Wang Yongfu and his team were still a little worried about retaliation from the Europeans, but Senior Zhang resolved the issue without making a sound! ?
The blame for the armed charges was put on the pirates.

The two men saw the Duke of York off, and Zhang Kaiwu pointed at the map and said to Wang Yongfu:
"Time is running out! Speed ​​up the offensive in Malay Borneo City. The bandit suppression operation should continue all the way to Myeik. There should be a safe distance of at least 100 kilometers. Stabilize your position there and ask the Governor of Thailand for help."

“Once we are done with the Dutch this time, we will make a clear map of the whole of Borneo, so that we don’t have to fight again and have trouble on the border in the future.”

Wang Yongfu quickly responded:

"Got it! We'll capture more bandits to build defensive positions, but what if the Thais object?!"

Zhang Kaiwu said with a smile:
"That's the business of the Thai Governor-General. It has nothing to do with our company. Just focus on building the city. If they want to fight, then they can fight."

"There is one more thing. How are the arrangements for marriage among your mercenaries going? "

Wang Yongfu said quickly:
"For those above the company captain level, marriages have basically been finalized. However, some team members now feel pressured to marry two people and are a little worried about the upbringing of their children."

Zhang Kaiwu smiled and said:

"Isn't the income of mercenaries high enough? Is it stressful to support a wife and children? Do they need to increase their salary? This matter can also be discussed. We have money in our company!"

Wang Yongfu said quickly:
"There is no financial pressure! Their wives can enjoy priority job opportunities, and their children can go to school for free. The salary and benefits you give, Senior Zhang, are high enough!"

"They are just afraid that they will not have time to accompany their children in the future. In addition, they are under a lot of pressure when they go to bed at night. Sometimes, sometimes they feel very tired!"

Damn it!

Zhang Kaiwu rubbed his head and said:

"The daily work meals have been nutritiously improved. Is it because the nutrition is not enough?!"

Wang Yongfu said quickly:
"Senior Zhang! Our team lives well enough, and there is absolutely no problem with nutrition! Take your time! We can't rush this matter. If something goes wrong because of this issue, we will become a laughing stock!"

"To be honest, the thing I dread most every day is getting off work. My wives have to deal with this every day. It's really tiring!"

I looked at him in surprise. Maybe he was really tired, otherwise a man would not say such words!
Zhang Kaiwu lit a cigarette, thought for a moment and said:

"Okay! I didn't take the physical factors into consideration. This job still requires your encouragement. Don't force it!"

"We will continue to recruit people domestically. We cannot stop this work."

Wang Yongfu finally breathed a sigh of relief!

Sometimes, Senior Zhang’s requirements were a little too advanced, and they couldn’t understand the reasons even after scratching their heads.

I don't even dare to ask. Although Senior Zhang smiles all day long, he is truly intimidating without even getting angry. Anyone who provokes him would have been fed to the fish long ago.

(End of this chapter)