Global Shipping has a total of eight second-hand ships in Europe, including four second-hand oil tankers and four second-hand freighters.

The four oil tankers were all built in the thirties, and they have been up and down for 20 years, with a tonnage of 1.5~16,000 tons, and the price is about 1.2 million US dollars, which is about 1.5 times the price of a cargo ship with the same capacity.

The four freighters were also built in the thirties, with a tonnage of 1.2~15,000 tons and a price of around 800,000 US dollars.

Therefore, it will cost $8.2 million to purchase eight ships with a total deadweight of 111,000 tons.

After the matter was settled, Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn inspected the shipyard in Hamburg, Germany, and were warmly received by Franz, the president of the shipyard.

Lin Zhichao himself has bought six or seven hundred thousand tons of second-hand freighters in Europe, and enjoys a high reputation here, and is not an unknown shipowner. After all, the deadweight of 700,000 tons is already 3%~5% of the scale of the British merchant ship.

"Mr. Lin, Miss Audrey, welcome to the Hamburg shipyard!" Franz obviously knew Audrey Hepburn, and although he was a little surprised, he still said quietly.

And Audrey Hepburn and Lin Zhichao already have no scruples, not to mention that they are not reporters, so why not know it.

Lin Zhichao stretched out his right hand and said: "Hello President Franz, I am very interested in large oil tankers, so I came this time to check whether the technology in this area is mature. If I'm satisfied, maybe I'll consider ordering a new tanker. ”

Franz did not dare to underestimate Lin Zhichao, the king of second-hand ships, after all, it is a reasonable development trend to switch from second-hand ships to new ships.

"No problem, I promise you'll be satisfied!"

Subsequently, Franz and others took Lin Zhichao and his entourage to visit the entire Hamburg shipyard.

When he came to a 'behemoth' under construction, Franz said proudly: "Mr. Lin must have known that last year we built the 'Tina Onassis' oil tanker for the Greek shipowner, Onassis. The deadweight of that tanker reached 45,270 tons, making it the largest tanker in the world. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "I know, I am very envious of what kind of large oil tanker I have!" ”

Franz smiled and introduced the oil tanker under construction in front of him, and said: "This is called the 'Sinclair', and its deadweight has been increased again, reaching 56,089 tons, and it will be launched next year." ”

Lin Zhichao asked suspiciously: "Not to mention the technology of such a large oil tanker, but as far as I know, the world's port facilities and mooring technology will plague it." ”

Of course, the conditions of the waterway are also very critical, if Lin Zhichao buys a large oil tanker, he must require the captain, senior seafarers, etc., to strictly implement the fixed channel, and must not leave the channel without permission.

Because, he was worried that the stranding would cause an oil spill, which would be a terrible thing. Once the oil leaks in the US and European waters, the cost is very high. In particular, in the waters of the United States, there was a leak in the 90s, and the American oil giant paid a full $5 billion in damages because the leak site was in the waters of Alaska.

Franz explains: "We designed a pipeline system for large tankers, so that if the port is inaccessible, small tankers can be used for barge. ”

Lin Zhichao understands that a 50,000-ton oil tanker can be transported 2~3 times more than the current 10,000-ton or 20,000-ton oil tanker on the market, saving a lot of costs: first, the steel required for the construction of 50,000-ton oil tankers may only need 2~3 steel for the construction of 10,000-ton oil tankers, and steel alone saves about 40%; Second, fuel consumption has also been reduced a lot.

Of course, none of these advantages are 'huge' at present, once Suez was closed in 1956, the oil shipped from the Middle East to Europe would increase by 5,000 nautical miles, doubling the voyage, and it would take an additional 16~17 days to waste.

At that time, the world's oil tankers will have to develop towards larger carrying capacity.

If Lin Zhichao's estimation is not wrong, in 1956, Suez closed for a year, a 50,000-ton new oil tanker can definitely earn back within a year, or even less than a year.

It's not wrong to say it's a godsend!

Lin Zhichao asked again: "How much time does it take to build such a 50,000-ton oil tanker?" ”

Franz said happily: "Generally, it is 12~18 months!" ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and asked, "Do you need to queue up?" ”

Franz said: "Three months at most!" ”

Lin Zhichao believed in German technology, so he asked again: "How much is it?" ”

Franz was already sure in his heart that Lin Zhichao definitely wanted to buy it, and hurriedly said: "At present, the 56,000-ton oil tanker is 7.6 million US dollars, and 40% of the first payment for construction will be paid, and 60% of the final payment will be paid when it is delivered." ”

Lin Zhichao immediately calculated in his heart that oil tankers are not cargo ships, and when Suez is closed, the freight price of oil tankers will definitely increase higher than that of cargo ships; In addition, the current cargo ships are generally in one or two hundred thousand tons, and oil tankers are making money from Europe and the United States; Therefore, the time of the oil tanker must be calculated well, and a month cannot be wasted.

He would rather have the tanker chartered for a one-way trip before Suez closes, and earn every opportunity in that wave. Sometimes some shipowners prefer to park their ships in port for high rents, and that's the reason.

Of course, considering that the Suez Canal was closed for the first time, it was only one year, so it was ideal to sign a contract for three years at a high price (75~80% of the short-term rental price); Signing a contract for five years at a high price (70~75% of the short-term rental price) shows that the customer is already afraid, and Lin Zhichao has to wake up laughing.

"I probably need to build six tankers of 56,000 tons!" Lin Zhichao said lightly.

Franz was not calm, and said in shock: "What Mr. Lin said is true? ”

The total tonnage of six oil tankers of 56,000 tons has reached 336,000 tons, which is more than 25% of the tonnage of German shipbuilding in a year. Even Onassis didn't dare to build so much in one breath, and they all made it in stages.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "At present, my second-hand cargo ships and oil tankers have reached 700,000 tons, and the annual profit is about 20 million US dollars. ”

He calculated that in the next two years, with the current fleet (700,000 tons), global shipping can obtain a profit of about 4500~50 million US dollars. In addition, there are more than 8 million US dollars left in the account, which is enough to buy six 56,000-ton oil tankers.

At the same time, he can also take out a loan from HSBC to buy more boats. So in July 1956, the fleet of global shipping was at least 1.1 million tons deadweight, and even more fleets were going to be impacted.

And in that wave of opportunities to make money, you can't build a fleet right away, because the price is high, and you have to avoid the shipping slump of 1959~1961; Shipbuilding, on the other hand, should be built at a low tide in shipping, with a lower price and a lower market avoidance.

"No, no, no, of course I trust Mr. Lin! As far as I know, you are not only strong, but you also have the backing of the bank, and your strength is no less than Onassis. Franz said complimentally.

Although he was shocked by Lin Zhichao's strength, it was indeed a compliment to say that Lin Zhichao was not inferior to Onassis's strength.

Lin Zhichao said: "So, can you reduce the price and down payment ratio? ”

Franz said: "Yes! The down payment ratio can be reduced to 35%, and the price can be reduced by another $200,000 per ship. ”

The price is not grocery shopping, so the price reduction is reasonable.

Lin Zhichao said: "Okay, I'll go back and sort it out, and then I'll take the team to talk to you in detail!" ”

Franz happily said: "No problem! Mr. Lin, you can rest assured, we will ensure that the quality is very progressive. ”

This is a big customer!

336,000 tons of oil tankers, this Germany can't build so many oil tankers in a year, almost more than a year's volume.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao also slandered the British shipyard in his heart, and the price was too high. A 12,000-ton cargo ship costs as much as $2 million. A 56,000-ton oil tanker in Germany costs only $7.4 million.

British shipbuilding is the most expensive in Europe, followed by France, followed by Germany, and the rest of the European countries do not take into account.

Lin Zhichao dared to order six 56,000-ton oil tankers in one go, naturally because of the 'closure of the Suez Canal', otherwise he would not dare to take such a risk. And this kind of behavior may also be questioned by many people, and it is expected that HSBC will not dare to gamble, so the loan will not be too high for him, and it would be good to have 10 million US dollars.

On the flight back, Audrey Hepburn finally said the question that had been hidden in her heart for a day: "My dear, why are you always so confident, when you said that you were going to build six ships, it was like something that had never happened before." Although I don't know how to do business, it seems that others think you are a little aggressive! ”

With more than 40 million US dollars, she feels that she will not be able to earn it in a few lifetimes, the salary of "Dragon and Phoenix Match" is only 15,000 US dollars, and the advertising endorsement is also tens of thousands of US dollars.

Lin Zhichao smiled and patted the back of Audrey Hepburn's hand and said, "I'm not confident, you should have the most experience!" Although six ships are expensive, I don't actually have any debt, so there is no need to worry. ”

In fact, it is a debt, for example, if the market suddenly plummets in the next two years, ordinary people may definitely not be able to pay the final payment; However, in addition to many five-year contracts being executed, Global Shipping itself also has $8 million left.

Of course, the market cannot plummet.

Audrey Hepburn remembered the little points after the two met, this mysterious man was like a prophet, predicting that she would succeed in the entertainment industry, which was indeed a great charm.

"I've asked Frings to turn down all the work for me, and nothing can affect my mood as a mother!" Audrey Hepburn took Lin Zhichao's arm and snuggled up to his shoulder and said.

It can be seen from this sentence that Audrey Hepburn takes motherhood very seriously, and may outweigh her relationship with Lin Zhichao, of course, maybe; Maybe if this child is not saved, she will have an emotional gap with Lin Zhichao.

But fortunately, Audrey Hepburn's health is already very good, and it is almost impossible to have an accident. Lin Zhichao has arranged for someone to go to Lake Zurich, Switzerland, to find a villa, and plans to let Audrey Hepburn go there to recuperate.

"Don't worry, your body has already been conditioned by me, and we won't have only one child!" Lin Zhichao comforted Audrey Hepburn, who was a little nervous.

Because of the lack of fatherly love, she also wants to be a mother.

Audrey Hepburn looked at Lin Zhichao magically, but she didn't say much, some things are not scientific at all.

"And how many more times can we meet this year?" Audrey Hepburn asked with concern again.

Lin Zhichao thought for a while and said: "I have the opportunity to meet in the United States next month, I will go there to sell oil tankers, and before the child is born, I will definitely come to Zurich to accompany you." I will come when there is time in between. ”

Audrey Hepburn said with great satisfaction: "Well, as long as you come to accompany me before the child is born, I am very satisfied." The rest of the time, you're busy with work. I believe that some of your words will stretch your life, even if you get together for a short time every year for various reasons, as long as it is long, then it will not be much better than those couples who have had conflicts in a few years. ”

She was PUA by Lin Zhichao, so she is convinced that Lin Zhichao can modify her genes and is not easy to grow old and get sick, which is very important; Although, once in a while, she has to eat some protein, but she enjoys it.

Lin Zhichao hugged Audrey Hepburn and coaxed: "Moreover, with the maturity of jet civil aircraft, the world will only need to arrive in one day in the future, and I will have more time." I will also purchase a private jet for you and enjoy the feeling of no distance in the world. ”

Audrey Hepburn was full of yearning, but then whispered in Lin Zhichao's ear: "Honey, how do you know that there is something wrong with the Comet aircraft?" ”

It turned out that in the first half of this year, two Comet aircraft fell for technical reasons, and the British hastened to stop the project.

"Technical analysis out! But don't be afraid to fly, because it's the safest mode of transportation in the world, and I'm talking about the odds of accidents. ”

Audrey Hepburn nodded, she had a kind of blind trust in Lin Zhichao. Then she said: "If you really have extra money one day and buy me a private jet, I think it's better to do charity!" ”

Very sincerely!

Lin Zhichao said: "Charity and enjoyment have nothing to do with each other. Enjoyment can arouse people's desire to create wealth, and can promote social progress and civilization. We Chinese have a saying that if you are poor, you will be good alone, and if you are good, you will help the world, which means that in the future, if you have the strength to do your own charity, you will also experience the rapid changes brought by technology. In short, listen to me! ”

Audrey Hepburn was obviously convinced, but she still coquettishly said: "I'm not your marionette, be more obedient!" ”

Lin Zhichao smiled and didn't speak, he was confident!

Sure enough, Audrey Hepburn added: "Many things can be listened to by you!" After speaking, he didn't forget to kiss Lin Zhichao on the cheek.

Sunday, August 8.

Lin Zhichao, who returned to Hong Kong, happened to be on the weekend, and he would not rush to work. For Lin Zhichao at present, he will no longer care about the gains and losses of one city and one place, because he will not touch his roots.

Shipping business: as long as he grasps the cycle, he can make money with his eyes closed; Not to mention, a management system has been laid for global shipping; Therefore, he is a remote command, and there will be no major mistakes.

Real estate business: It is not yet a good time, and Tang Caiyun is already familiar with the essentials of the real estate industry, so there will be no mistakes.

Industrial undertakings: all of them are gradually developing, showing a diversified and collectivized development scale, and full of anti-risk ability.

In general, the three careers go hand in hand, and the Lin family's ability to resist risks is very strong, and there is no need for Lin Zhichao to do everything himself.

As long as Lin Zhichao is alive, there will be no chaos.

Even if there was an accident, Lin Zhichao arranged it very well, and the family lived better than the future generations of the He Dong family.

Lin Zhichao would often give the lawyer a sealed envelope, which was his new bereaved family, and the previous one would be destroyed. He doesn't feel that there is any bad luck, and he pays more attention to planning for a rainy day.

During the time he went to Europe, some things also happened in Hong Kong, such as a Cathay Pacific flight - Thailand to Hong Kong, which was shot down by the opposite side, causing 10 dead and 8 wounded. For example, in Hong Kong, another Tai Hang Tung fire broke out, destroying 2,000 wooden houses, killing nine people and affecting 24,000 people.

In short, this society is not absolutely peaceful, and it is good to be more prepared.

"Dad, look at what I'm writing!" In the study, Lin Ruihuan handed the calligraphy he had just written to Lin Zhichao, and said with a hopeful expression.

Lin Zhichao put down the brush in his hand, he was also practicing calligraphy, he was born in a scholarly family, and his sister had a father to teach since childhood, and he did not finish his studies until 1944. Therefore, he has a foundation in traditional culture.

At the same time, he will also ask his children to take into account both Chinese and Western cultures, so he spends at least an hour every weekend practicing calligraphy with his children.

"Make progress, keep up the good work!" A simple comment.

Although Lin Ruihuan is only five years old, his IQ is very high, plus Lin Zhichao and Tang Caiyun are strict, so they have also developed some good habits, such as being studious.

"Okay, Dad!" Lin Ruihuan said happily.

If he can get praise from his father, he will be more motivated.

Lin Zhichao touched Lin Ruihuan's little head, as the eldest son, there must be pressure, even if Lin Zhichao is busy, when he goes home from work or is at home on weekends, he will check his studies and instill some principles of life.

"Teach you another ancient saying: If you don't accumulate steps, you can't reach thousands of miles; If you don't accumulate small streams, you can't become rivers and seas. Got it? ”

"Somewhat understood!"

"Then memorize this sentence first, and you will slowly understand it completely."

The father and son taught and learned, and Lin Zhichao enjoyed this process very much. Therefore, the children should still be controlled at about ten, which is more conducive to cultivation.

Walking out of the study, after a while, Xu Caiying happily greeted her and said, "I'm pregnant again!" ”

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Normal heart! We are in such good health, it is normal to be pregnant. ”

It's all planned, such as planting seeds in August, and it must be in the middle of that month.

"Makes sense!" Xu Caiying said with a meaningful smile.

As they got along for a long time, they also understood that Lin Zhichao was a real man; From some of the news she got from her mother, their men were obviously super different.

The two went to the living room on the first floor together, sat and waited for lunchtime, and played with the children. In the afternoon, he will go shopping, Lin Zhichao is also an idle person, he likes to go shopping with his family, the first is shopping, and the second is to understand the market.

"Husband, this year's land has grown fiercely, and the land in the Tsim Sha Tsui business district has risen to 100~110 Hong Kong dollars per square foot!" Tang Caiyun said in a casual chat.

Although Lin Zhichao never works on weekends and doesn't talk about work, it's still okay to talk about land.

Lin Zhichao said casually: "It's normal, it will rise to 130 this year, 190~200 next year, and 250 the year after next, which is how it rises." ”

Tang Caiyun suddenly said excitedly: "Then why don't we take more land?" ”

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "The rate of return is 40%~50%, which is similar to shipping, so don't worry." What's more, without a suitable target, there is no need to eat ugly in a small fight. ”

To be honest, Cheung Kong currently does not have reserve land after the 60s, but Lin Zhichao is not in a hurry at all.

There are so many opportunities to follow!

Tang Caiyun blushed, and then said: "I'm a novice in real estate!" ”

Lin Zhichao said: "It's very good, it's good to be able to learn it!" However, our family has to adhere to the investment rule that eggs cannot be put in one basket. ”

The two women nodded one after another, absorbing the experience!

For letting women intervene in his career, Lin Zhichao feels that it is inevitable.

In his previous life, whether it was Lee Jiacheng or Lee Shau Kee, he let his wife intervene in his career, and when the time is ripe, his wife can launch his career again. And like Guo Desheng, if he hadn't had his wife to take care of him after his death, it wouldn't have been a matter of the three sons fighting, and the entire Sun Hung Kai might have fallen apart. With Guo Desheng's wife to take care of him, at least the family business has been preserved and developed. No matter how much the son fights, there is still a grandson, what are you afraid of.

(End of chapter)