Monday.

In the morning, HSBC's project manager Sandas came to Global Shipping and met with Lin Zhichao, and the two chatted in the office.

At the beginning of the year, Sundash was appointed as the manager of the project department, and the project department is the loan department, and it is more important to visit the factory to investigate which industries are worthy of loans.

Lin Zhichao did not apply for a loan, but Sandas took the initiative to visit, in Sanddash's opinion, Lin Zhichao's business attainments are very high, he likes to chat with Lin Zhichao, and get some information from it.

After Chen Tianan made a cup of tea for the two of them, he left the office.

"There are no plans to buy ships from Global Shipping recently? Or have you already bought a lot of boats with your own funds? Sandas asked with a smile.

As soon as he became the manager of the project department, he stopped taking out loans, which made him a little 'anxious', after all, Lin Zhichao has a good reputation and is not worried about not being able to repay the loan. Lin Zhichao not only has a good reputation, but also has strong strength - in addition to shipping, there are also industries and real estate, so it is safer than lending to He Dong before.

Lin Zhichao said unhurriedly: "I just bought four second-hand oil tankers, so I plan to go to the United States in person to promote the big oil companies in the United States." This is the first time I have purchased a ship this year, after all, there are enough second-hand freighters from Global Shipping. ”

Sandas suddenly sighed in his heart that this person is really one step at a time, but the development is super fast.

Then, he said: "So you can't afford to take out a loan?" ”

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "How can there be a banker who comes to sell loans, let others know, think that your HSBC bank has changed sex and opened the hose!" ”

Sandas said seriously: "Lending money to you is like putting money in a safe, so what's the problem with door-to-door loan sales!" ”

In the past year, bank lending has risen sharply, with Hong Kong now holding HK$3.7 billion in all banks, with HSBC accounting for at least half of the total. Although there are many Chinese in Hong Kong, the Chinese trust HSBC more, and this is a batch of Hong Kong dollars that HSBC admitted to being forced to sign by Japan even if it suffered a lot of losses in World War II.

Lin Zhichao thought about it and felt that the loan was not needed for the time being, but he had to maintain his friendship with Sundash and HSBC, otherwise the early work would be in vain.

So, he said, "Mr. Sandas, how do you think I am doing in shipping?" Does it give you confidence? ”

Sandas nodded seriously and said, "You are the most businessman I have ever met, and the long-term contract you signed with Japan in the early days has played a great role in the past two years. The price of a one-way short-term rental is not as good as the long-term contract in your hand. Global Shipping attaches great importance to the quality of seafarers and has created an excellent seafarer team comparable to Europe and the United States, but the personnel cost is very low. Therefore, the competitiveness of global shipping is very strong! ”

His admiration for Lin Zhichao is undisguised, and it is true that Lin Zhichao maximizes the interests of shipping.

Lin Zhichao said gradually: "Does Mr. Sandas have a certain understanding of oil tankers in shipping? In other words, do you have your own views on the growth of oil's contribution to the development of the world economy? ”

Sandas knew that Lin Zhichao would not 'preach' for no reason, he must have wanted to convince himself of 'something', because this is Lin Zhichao's usual strategy.

"The contribution of oil to the economy is undoubted, and the world's demand for oil is also increasing, especially in Europe and the United States (Britain and France do not produce oil) so I think you are saying that the demand for oil tankers in world shipping is getting bigger and bigger!"

Lin Zhichao nodded with a smile, and then said: "This time I inspected the Hamburg shipyard in Germany and found that they are building a large oil tanker of 56,000 tons, so I predict that the oil tanker will develop in the general direction." ”

Sandas was also attracted by Lin Zhichao's topic, and he understood it clearly when the two asked and answered.

Then, Sandas asked, "So, you want to build a large oil tanker and need a huge loan, so you want to take out a loan of $10 million?" ”

If it is 10 million US dollars, Sandas thinks that there is no problem, it seems to be very high, but in fact, it is not a problem for global shipping.

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said seriously: "I want to build six 56,000-ton oil tankers, to be honest, I have calculated the profits of global shipping in the next two years, which is more than enough." But I like to work with HSBC to set up a shipping company, and we will invest in the shipping industry together to buy these six tankers. ”

Sandas was stunned by Lin Zhichao's plan, six oil tankers, worth nearly $45 million.

And Lin Zhichao is very interested!

In 1956, Suez closed for a year, and the world's demand for ships was extremely eager, and hundreds of thousands of tons were only a drop in the bucket. Therefore, why not bring HSBC to make a fortune, after all, only HSBC is qualified to be his partner.

"Forty percent of the investment, isn't it 18 million US dollars!"

"You only need a 35% down payment and you can make money by delivering it."

"A new oil tanker will have to pay back at least five years, right?"

"But the oil tanker itself retains its value, and the value of the five-year-old oil tanker is still seven or eight percent. Moreover, since the end of the Korean Peninsula Campaign, it is difficult for the world to break out into large-scale battles, and shipping will usher in at least twenty years of glory. ”

After some communication, Sandas smiled bitterly: "This plan is a bit crazy, there may be many opponents in the senior management of HSBC, even I need to think about it carefully." ”

Lin Zhichao said: "It's okay, I'll wait for your reply." ”

This time we can't cooperate, and HSBC will take the initiative to seek cooperation after the Suez crisis.

Of course, if this cooperation was reached, HSBC would have died laughing in 1956.

In the morning, Lin Zhichao convened a meeting of the senior management.

At the meeting, he said: "This time, the four second-hand freighters will be leased out as much as possible with a two-year lease period, and the maximum lease period is two years, or one year; Manager Gao, you go and sell to Japanese customers! ”

Gao Qiqiang nodded hurriedly and said, "Okay!" Now the price is very flat, and we are still competitive in Japan. ”

Global Shipping is not only a long-term lease to Japan, but also has already opened up fixed routes to Europe and the Americas, and has become a diversified company.

He did not completely follow the path of Bao Yugang in his previous life, Lin Zhichao is more ambitious, in the future, oil tankers and container ships will go hand in hand, and long-term leasing is to control the lease time.

Then, Lin Zhichao said: "Deputy General Manager Feng and I went to the United States to sell four oil tankers and get familiar with customers!" ”

Feng Yongfa said: "Okay, then I'll take a step forward and familiarize yourself with it." ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, I still have a week to arrive in the United States, you can look at the arrangement!" ”

"Okay"

At the beginning, the social interaction with customers was done by Lin Zhichao himself. After a long time, those old customers also recognized Lin Zhichao's subordinates, such as several big customers in Japan.

In this way, Lin Zhichao only needs to lay a good foundation, and he doesn't have to do it himself every time. He is not like others, only one industry, and can be focused.

The promotion of oil tankers this time is a very important thing, because it is to sell to large American oil companies, and the two sides need to establish a stable foundation for cooperation. It can even be said that in order to be foolproof, Lin Zhichao will personally supervise and command the first transportation mission to ensure a smooth passage.

As soon as the meeting ended, a staff member came to everyone and reported: "Boss, when the Golden Lion was sailing in Singapore, there was a problem with the cold storage, and the ship's engineer was helpless. ”

Lin Zhichao frowned and said: "It takes time to repair the cold storage, and if the voyage is delayed, wouldn't it be a heavier loss." ”

Naturally, the staff didn't know what to do, and the senior management also thought about it.

Finally, a high-level suggestion: "Purchase a large amount of ice cubes in Singapore, put them in cold storage, and after this transportation task is completed, it is not too late to repair the cold storage!" ”

It turned out that things could often be handled in the simplest way.

Lin Zhichao said: "That's right! In case of trouble, it is necessary to take the best way to deal with it and brainstorm ideas. ”

Subsequently, the company's management communicated the handling of the matter via radio. And the senior seafarers on the Golden Lion were stunned for the first time, it turned out that it was so simple to deal with things.

Although this matter was small, it was immediately written into the emergency handling rules and regulations of global shipping.

At the same time, Lin Zhichao also decided one thing in his heart, the oil tanker business is about to be launched, and he has to tell everyone from time to time - the route should run according to the plan, and not deviate.

How many oil tankers have shipbuilding accidents are grounded because the captain deviates without authorization. However, at this point, the execution ability of the Chinese is very powerful, and the foreign senior seafarers are an unstable factor.

After the oil tanker is sold this time, Lin Zhichao plans to set up a senior seafarer 'refresher course' after returning to Hong Kong, and use the world's top nautical experts to regularly train his senior seafarers.

Pay close attention to the management of navigation technology!

In late August, Lin Zhichao came to the United States and went straight to Exxon Oil with Feng Yongfa. The company later merged with Mobil Oil to become the world's largest oil company.

If Lin Zhichao wants to break into the oil transportation industry in Europe and the United States, he must start from a large enterprise to gain the credibility of the entire industry.

The two easily 'broke into' the offices of Exxon International's chartering department, and were not subjected to any trouble.

"Well, who are you?" A manager-like man pointed at the two and asked.

As soon as Lin Zhichao saw this person, he analyzed his possible identity, and soon learned that he was at least a managerial-level figure, so he took out his business card, handed the English side up, and handed it to this person.

"Hello, we are Hong Kong Global Shipping, and we hope to cooperate with your company on chartering matters!" Lin Zhichao said confidently and politely.

He has some advantages, and naturally relies on strength to strive for opportunities for cooperation, and others will not rest assured that the business will be handed over to you because of your nod.

Niu Deng looked at the business card in his hand, and then he didn't look interested, and said to Lin Zhichao: "We haven't heard of Hong Kong's shipping company. We only trust the big shipowners of Greece, like Onassis! ”

It's normal to have a derogatory tone in your words. It's not just that Europeans and Americans themselves are arrogant, but they also want to be the vanguard in negotiations.

Lin Zhichao knows these European and American businessmen, and when they know you, they will be very careful and will not easily believe you; Once you've made a result and you're happy with them, then the prejudice in their head will disappear and they'll be a great partner.

"We have a very low price too! Moreover, we have four oil tankers, all of which have a tonnage of 1.5~16,000 tons. ”

This tonnage was not very small in the fifties, it can only be said to be average; If it were in the sixties, it would be a small tanker.

When Niu Deng heard the 'very low price', he immediately became interested, which was exactly what Lin Zhichao needed.

"You are a shipowner in Hong Kong, are you on the blacklist of the U.S. Department of Commerce?"

There was even a hint of disgust in the words, which was the general mentality of Americans at this time, after all, the war had just ended for a year.

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "I have not been involved in the war, my fleet has always been long-term charter to Japanese customers, such as Yamaguchi steamship, Japanese steamship, Mitsuko steamship and other large Japanese shipping companies, are our big customers. So, I have a good reputation. ”

When Niu Deng heard this, he didn't care about this matter, because as long as Lin Zhichao was not blacklisted, he could continue to talk.

"I don't see a very low price!"

Lin Zhichao knew that there was already a breakthrough, so he said: "I will definitely give you a very low price!" ”

But they didn't say the price directly, because they were still standing.

Seeing this, Niu Deng also officially invited the two to the conference room to talk, and things have ushered in a breakthrough.

In fact, Newden knew about global shipping, and it was a well-established shipping company in the Far East, with a large amount of business in Japan. Being able to charter a ship to a Japanese shipping company means that the rent must be low, which is good for Exxon.

When they arrived at the conference room, everyone sat down.

Lin Zhichao took the initiative to introduce: "The four ships are oil tankers produced in the UK, and the age of the ships is between 18~20 years old, and we have done a lot of maintenance for the ships. At the same time, our seafarers are systematically trained, and they have the quality that is not inferior to that of European and American seafarers. So, rest assured, we've got the job done. ”

He did not avoid the reality that the ship was relatively old, but said it bluntly.

Niu Deng and the others did frown when they heard the age of the ship.

"Old ship!"

Hearing Niu Deng's elongated voice, Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Although it is an old ship, it will not affect the safety and time of shipping, and we will do our best to do our best." At the same time, if you lease four ships, you can rent only $3 million a year, and you can provide a lease period of one or two years. ”

The operating cost of oil tankers is also high, so although the one-year charter period is 3 million US dollars, it is already the top of the day to have a profit of 2 million; The cost of the purchase of the four oil tankers is also nearly 5 million US dollars, which can be paid back in two and a half years. Of course, this is still theoretical, and the biggest problem with second-hand ships is that it is risky, and a major overhaul may be a large expense. An accident can be done in vain in a year.

The expression on Niu Deng's face changed, and he immediately recovered, but this scene couldn't escape Lin Zhichao's eyes.

The price is so tempting, like Onassis's ships, are charged on a one-way basis, that is, they would rather be empty in the port than chartered to you at a low price.

In the end, Newden still said: "The price is not bad, but I still can't believe you!" But, I can give you a chance, try once, only one chance, run a transport, let me see your level! ”

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "There is no problem, we are willing to accept the challenge." ”

Niu Deng nodded, he was actually very optimistic about this cooperation, because Lin Zhichao was indeed not a nobody in shipping, and he knew Lin Zhichao as a person. However, a collaborative trial is essential.

Subsequently, the two sides docked the task, and this cooperation did not even have a formal contract, that is, let the four ships go to the Middle East to complete a transportation mission, and after qualifying, they will consider continuing the cooperation.

Of course, there is money to be paid for a trial, after all, it is a lot of money, how can it be free!

Audrey Toy Company, Los Angeles.

In the office building, Audrey Hepburn, Baroness, and Lin Zhichao are interviewing a CEO candidate.

"Mr. Richie, why did you choose to join Audrey Toy Company?" Lin Zhichao asked his soul.

Rich is an elite talent introduced by others, but Lin Zhichao suspects him of 'bad intentions'.

Sure enough, Rich said honestly: "I heard that Miss Audrey founded a toy company, and I think it is a very famous company, and maybe it can give my career a better future." ”

Looking at Richie's information, Lin Zhichao is very satisfied, he has middle-level management experience in large enterprises, and managing a small toy company is not handy. At present, 'Audrey Toy Company' has only two designers and two employees, for a total of only four employees.

Lin Zhichao gave Audrey Hepburn a look, Audrey understood the meaning of her sweetheart in seconds, and understood each other again, and said: "Congratulations, you have been admitted!" Hope you can come to work soon! ”

Rich was also surprised at this time, it turned out that Audrey told him that the company was developing a 'doll', a 1:6 replica of a real person. The important thing is that the image of this doll is the image of a toy in the eyes of children, not the image of a doll imposed on children by adults - a cute little angel, round and chubby, similar to the screen image of the famous child star Shirley Temple, which is the imagination of adults for children's toys.

Very novel and creative!

"No problem, I can come to work in three days at most!"

After getting the CEO, Givenchy also came to Audrey Toys Company after a while, and he was invited by Audrey Hepburn to design clothes for Barbie.

Givenchy is curious about the relationship between Lin Zhichao and Audrey, after all, if they are just partners, why does Audrey Hepburn look like she is pregnant?

"What is your relationship?"

The Baroness immediately interjected, "They're just friends, boy, if you like my daughter, you can go after it!" After speaking, he looked at Lin Zhichao proudly.

She still doesn't change her mind about breaking up the two! Although she has accepted the reality that the two are together.

Givenchy hurriedly shook his head and said, "Baroness, I'm afraid you misunderstood me, Audrey and I are just friends!" ”

Audrey took Lin Zhichao's arm and said intimately: "I'm five months pregnant, but it's a pity that I can't show your clothes." ”

Givenchy was stunned for a moment, and then said: "That's really a very bad thing!" But I still wish you happiness! ”

After playing the piano indiscriminately, the office finally returned to normal, and Givenchy also tentatively understood Lin Zhichao, but only roughly knew that it was because of a very rich Chinese businessman.

As for designing clothing for Barbie, Givenchy did not refuse, not only because he had cooperated with Audrey Hepburn, but also because he was curious and trusted about the Barbie doll planned by Lin Zhichao.

That night, Lin Zhichao found Ella to talk.

"Baroness, if you introduce Audrey again, I'll be mad at you!" Lin Zhichao said toughly.

Ella was stunned, under Lin Zhichao's strong eyes, she couldn't resist it, she never thought that Lin Zhichao actually had such a strong momentum.

"Stinky boy, haven't you always been very confident? Why are you scared now? Ella said pretending to be calm.

"It's not that I'm afraid, it's that I don't want her grandmother to disturb her mother and his peaceful life after the child is born." Lin Zhichao said deliberately.

When Ella heard this, she immediately wanted to be a grandmother, not to mention what a warm thing her daughter was living with her.

"How do I know if you will give up and deceive my daughter?"

"I don't have to, I love her so much. Taking 10,000 steps back, the arrival of the child will become a great concern for me, I am eager to build a large family, and I will not despise the cultivation of children, let alone let others raise children for me. So, even if Audrey doesn't like business, I put a lot of investment in her name. ”

Ella finally compromised and said, "Well, I won't interfere with your affairs anymore!" ”

Then, Audrey Hepburn walked out in time, and Ella suddenly said dissatisfied: "Good daughter, why are you watching, I was taught a lesson by this guy just now!" ”

Audrey Hepburn held Ella's arm this time and said coquettishly: "Mom, this is the best way to solve things, isn't it?" ”

Good guy, clearly biased in favor of Lin Zhichao.

Eventually, everyone was able to get along peacefully. They recently spent some time in Los Angeles and mostly dealt with toy companies. After that, Ella accompanied Audrey Hepburn to settle in Zurich, Switzerland, to prepare for production.

As for the toy company, I leave it to the CEO to do it, and occasionally supervise it.

What's more, when the child is born, Barbie will not be available yet, and there will be a period of time.

(End of chapter)