Time flies, and a month has passed in a blink of an eye.

Mid-July, weekend.

At the Fanling Royal Golf Course, Lin Zhichao and Sanddash are playing a wave, and he has been maintaining a relationship with Sanddash because he knows that Sandash can win the chairmanship of HSBC.

And Sandas is a part-time worker after all, no matter how high the salary of HSBC is, can he become a rich man?

Obviously, he can't, but Lin Zhichao can make him a rich man, this is the secret transaction between the two.

During the wave, Sundash asked with concern: "I heard that your oil tanker business in Europe is not going very well, does it have any impact?" ”

Lin Zhichao had a relaxed expression on his face and asked curiously, "Where did you hear this news?" ”

Sandas shrugged his shoulders and said, "I heard some rumors that you seem to have offended the European oil companies by rejecting the Clam Oil Company's offer of cooperation. There are also some rumors that because you are a Hong Kong Chinese, you are discriminated against in Europe. ”

Lin Zhichao smiled: "It won't be so serious!" I did reject the Clam Oil cooperation agreement because the conditions were too poor to be in the interests of Global Shipping. Moreover, I just went to Clam Oil to sell it, so as not to offend the entire European oil company! ”

Sandas thought for a moment before he said, "Maybe there are some exaggerated rumors!" However, now that you have become a large shipowner with a deadweight of one million tons, you can actually consider becoming a British citizen, so that a lot of troubles will disappear. And with your strength, naturalization is an easy thing to do. ”

Hearing about naturalization, Lin Zhichao also had some thoughts. To become a world-class businessman, it is very convenient to have a Western nationality. Moreover, Hong Kong defaults to dual citizenship, and if it becomes a foreign nationality, as long as it does not take the initiative to withdraw from Hong Kong nationality, it will not be revoked, even in 2023.

On the other hand, Lin Zhichao will not hug the thigh of a certain party, he will definitely invest in one party to make money; I'll come if you need me, and I'll leave if you don't need me.

As long as the business environment is good, he will invest.

However, in Lin Zhichao's thoughts, he still wants to be a pure Chinese; But I want to do business in the West, and even in the world.

After a short period of thought, Lin Zhichao insisted on saying: "I think Hong Kong nationality is very good, and being a Hong Kong person is a very proud thing!" ”

Even if he wants to be naturalized, it is also the naturalization of his sons, and his mind has been fixed, and it is difficult to pass the level in his heart. But his sons, in the seventies, will be able to share in him.

At that time, it is the time for large-scale overseas development, and it is still possible for them to have dual citizenship.

Young people, what's wrong with pursuing fashion!

Sandas had no choice but to say: "Then your business in Europe, I'm afraid it will be a little difficult for you to progress for the time being!" ”

Of course, he hopes that Lin Zhichao will choose to become a naturalized citizen, so that he can save some trouble.

Lin Zhichao smiled: "Why don't we make a bet!" ”

Sandas asked, "Bet on what?" ”

Lin Zhichao said: "As far as the gambling Clam Oil Company is concerned, can you reach a cooperation with me this year, how about it?" And they must have offered me to cooperate? ”

When Sandas heard this, he felt that it was unbelievable, how could it be reasonable for the Clam Oil Company to deceive customers.

"Yes. If you do, I'll treat you once! ”

"A word is a certainty"

The two then continued to play golf.

Although Sandas was curious about why Lin Zhichao was so confident, he didn't ask too much, otherwise the bet would be meaningless.

Of course, the two of them just made a small bet, and it was impossible to really bet on something.

Following.

At the beginning of the new week, Lin Zhichao and the senior management of Global Shipping held a morning meeting in the conference room, because there was a technical meeting later.

Lin Zhichao took the lead in saying: "Suez's telegraph liaison office has to be kept open recently, and the information of the canal will be transmitted from there in a timely manner. Although the British and French troops had withdrawn from Egypt in June, they still controlled the Suez Canal, and I felt that this was an issue that could be easily disputed, so we kept the information open. ”

In the first half of this year, Universal Shipping recruited Egyptians in Suez City and set up an information branch to investigate the busy situation at the port and then send it by radio to Globe Shipping's global information network.

In this way, you can avoid some troubles and also be the first to get first-hand information.

Liao Changgui, the director of the communications department, immediately said: "Okay. Our ships will contact this liaison office before entering the Suez Canal, and it should not be in trouble. ”

At this time, Feng Yongfa, Gao Qiqiang and other core high-level executives suddenly understood why the boss drove three large oil tankers into the port of the Gulf of Aden, and it has been more than ten days (it took some time to register at the port of Hong Kong).

In fact, Lin Zhichao couldn't bear it for long, if he waited another month, he would have to be suspicious, and then he would have to find charterers for the three oil tankers.

Of course, it's still just a one-way rental.

It's not that the European market can't be opened, but Lin Zhichao didn't talk to other oil companies at all except looking for Clam Oil; He believes that the energy of Clam Oil Company cannot affect other European oil companies, after all, there are real cheapness.

However, the more uncooperative Clam Oil Company is, the more he prefers Clam Oil Company to take the initiative to seek cooperation.

At this time, Europe does not produce oil, if the Suez Canal is closed and the Cape of Good Hope is detoured, it is equivalent to taking 16~17 days more, which is only a one-way trip, and it will take 32 more days to go back and forth.

As a result, there are simply not enough oil tankers in the world, and they are far from enough, because to transport oil from the Middle East to Europe and the Americas, they must pass through the Suez Canal. In the same way, trade in the Americas, Europe and Asia also had to go through the Suez Canal.

Next, Lin Zhichao said: "How is the maintenance of the entire fleet? ”

Starting from July, all ships that have completed the one-way short-term lease will enter the dock for maintenance, which will take about 7~14 days; This is to prepare for the next big thing.

He Yunjin, manager of the technical department, said: "All arrangements are in an orderly manner, and 60% of the ships have been maintained. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded, and said, "What about the customer?" ”

Gao Qiqiang immediately said: "There is no problem, everyone knows that it is a second-hand ship, and we are very recognized for our willingness to pay for maintenance." ”

There are more than 70 ships in Global Shipping, especially more than 60 cargo ships, so if customers are in a hurry, they can be dispatched.

At today's meeting, everyone has already felt the atmosphere of 'pre-war preparations', and the boss has been working very strictly recently, and everyone knows that it is extraordinary. Carefully analyze the situation - the British and French troops withdrew from Egypt, but they controlled the Suez Canal, and everyone speculated, could it be that there was still no war?

Don't dare to think! Everyone can only guess so-so.

In the hot summer, Lin Zhichao took his family to Villa 79 in Deep Water Bay.

As soon as they entered the gate, both the women and the children were amazed, and the surprise in their eyes was undisguised.

It turned out that Villa 79 in Deep Water Bay had been renovated and cleaned.

Of course, it will take half a year to move in, the first is to breathe, and the second is to decorate the details.

The family first visited the podium, and then came to the core area of the villa above the podium, not to mention how happy they were.

Lin Zhichao said to everyone: "My mother and we live on the third floor, Xin'er and the children live on the second floor, and the first floor is the living room, dining room, kitchen, and ancestral hall area. ”

Wu Wenying said with a smile: "It's better for me to live on the second floor, there are so many rooms on this floor!" ”

Lin Zhichao naturally refused, and said: "If you don't live on the third floor, how dare we live." The second and third floors have six bedrooms, three living rooms, and three bathrooms. ”

In any case, Wu Wenying is the symbolic authority of the family, although Lin Zhichao is in charge of the family, but Lin Zhichao and his two wives must be respected in etiquette. It's like eating, although Lin Zhichao sits on the top, Wu Wenying also has to sit opposite Lin Zhichao, instead of sitting on the left and right.

Wu Wenying saw that Lin Zhichao had made proper arrangements, and did not refuse, now that she has two grandchildren, she can sleep in a room independently without being accompanied by a nanny; She also gradually took a break from the tedious things between her grandchildren and did some activities of her own, which her son encouraged her, such as going out to play mahjong with people in the circle, relatives and friends, and making appointments to go shopping.

"That's okay, I'll live on the third floor, and occasionally live with my grandson!"

Lin Xin'er said at this time: "I already have five nephews and nieces, and if my sister-in-law has another one, I have to go to live on the first floor!" After speaking, I didn't forget to hold Xu Caiying to be funny.

Xu Caiying said: "If you feel wronged, then live on the third floor!" ”

Lin Xin'er looked at Lin Zhichao strangely, and then said, "Don't!" ”

It's quite embarrassing to meet my brothers and sisters-in-law doing that, although it was when they bumped into intimacy.

Lin Zhichao is very thick-skinned, he thinks that food is also sexual, which means that after eating at night, you should do that.

"Don't worry! When the children are still young, they will be crammed into the room by two or three, and when they can live alone, it is time for you to get married! ”

Lin Xin'er muttered and said, "Drive me away, it's better to live on the first floor!" ”

Everyone laughed, in fact, everyone understood that it was impossible for Lin Zhichao to force Lin Xin'er to marry.

After the visit, everyone changed into swimsuits and enjoyed the pool. The villa has two swimming pools – indoor and outdoor, which is probably the most fashionable design of this era, because the rich people who can afford to live in garden villas in this era are all antiques, and they either learn European palace design or Chinese style.

The design of Lin Zhichao's villa is a combination of American style, European style and Chinese style, with an independent courtyard with a Chinese pavilion and a small bridge and flowing water, while the overall planning of the podium is Hawaiian, the three-story villa is a European style, and the interior is a modern style.

I believe that in a few years, there will be a lot of people in Hong Kong who follow the style of No. 79 Deep Water Bay. After all, Lin Zhichao's effect is still very large.

In the outdoor pool, Tang Caiyun, Xu Caiying, and Lin Xin'er, who had wiped sunscreen, walked out in turn, making Lin Zhichao's eyes shine.

"Mom?" No matter how old a person is, there is also a mantra.

Tang Caiyun said with a smile: "Mom wants to play with the children, in the indoor pool!" ”

Lin Zhichao's children naturally began to learn swimsuits at the age of three or four, which is just a basic skill; With female bodyguards watching, there will be no problem.

"Xin'er suffered a lot in the early years!" Lin Zhichao suddenly sighed.

The three daughters didn't know why, Lin Xin'er said with a little sadness: "It's okay, it's three years after Lao Dou's death, and life is a little worse." ”

When Lin Yunjie was alive, although his family was also poor, he could have some income from teaching; As soon as he died, the Lin family could only plow the land, and Lin Zhichao farmed for two years, and did not come to Hong Kong until he crossed.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Whoever talks to you about that, it's all old things!" I mean, when you were a kid, you were a little malnourished, and there was a difference between you and them. After speaking, his gaze stayed on Lin Xin'er's place.

"Ahh Elder brother! ”

Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying suddenly laughed, Lin Xin'er suddenly didn't follow, the three girls had a water fight, and the spring in the pool was infinitely better.

Lin Zhi naturally appreciates it, the swimsuit of this era is naturally quite conservative, but even so, it reflects the woman's figure to the fullest. So for a long time, Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying have never been to public swimming pools, occasionally going to the beach with fewer people to play, or driving a speedboat to the sea to play.

At this time, Tang Caiyun, although she has given birth to three children, is still charming, a little less ~ women's charm, every smile is amorous;

Although Xu Caiying also has two children, she is still like a girl, the years have not taken away her innocence, she still looks eighteen or nineteen years old, so beautiful that it is difficult to take her eyes off;

As for Lin Xin'er, she has an intellectual beauty, some liveliness in her quietness, and she doesn't know who will be cheaper in the future; She is a princess cultivated by Lin Zhichao, in terms of family background, the Lin family is a family of scholars, her grandfather is a lifter, Lao Dou is a teacher, and Lin Xin'er is now also a top student studying abroad; In terms of the current family, the Lin family is a wealthy family, and in Hong Kong, this one-third of an acre of land, is definitely a wealthy family. So, I can only say that I am a cheap kid.

"What good things do you think?" Just as Lin Zhichao was in his trance, a coquettish voice came, and then came the splash of water taken by the three girls.

Lin Zhichao dived decisively, and the three girls immediately panicked, they who were familiar with Lin Zhichao knew that Lin Zhichao was a sea king, a conqueror in the sea, and he was proficient in swimming and diving.

A pair of white and even beautiful legs appeared in front of Lin Zhichao's eyes under the water, and he saw that these thighs were panicking, but unfortunately in Lin Zhichao's eyes, she was too slow.

"Ah" Tang Caiyun panicked, and then planted softly into the water.

Then, Lin Zhichao picked it up from the water and hugged it in his arms.

The other two, on the other hand, were triumphant not far away.

What was even more proud was Tang Caiyun, after the panic, she lay happily in Lin Zhichao's arms.

After everyone played for a while, they cleaned up and prepared to go back to their home in Gande Road, which had not yet been 'opened' after all.

The new week has begun, and it is already late July.

Lin Zhichao was a little worried, will history repeat itself?

After all, more than 90% of the long-term contracts of Global Shipping have expired, and it is currently executing one-way short-term charter contracts and fixed routes for old customers; And those one-way short-term charter boats, all stay in the port.

To be honest, this step is more or less surprising and even dissatisfied with old Japanese customers. Because they used to give you a long-term lease during peak hours, but now when the shipping market is average, Global Shipping is reluctant to lease for a long time, which makes them feel that Lin Zhichao is a little shrewd.

Of course, Japanese customers don't have a choice, because on the whole, Lin Zhichao gives the most suitable price (discount), and he won't rent it to you for a long time; What's more, they are used to working together, and they are very satisfied with the quality of the fleet of Global Shipping, which is dependent on Global Shipping.

In fact, Lin Zhichao still has a magic weapon, once the Suez Canal crisis breaks out, he will charter the cargo ship for three years, or even five years, and the important thing is that he can collect all the yen, which is to properly take care of Japanese leasing customers.

And Lin Zhichao is not a loss, he originally planned to build a large number of ships in Japan, and the yen in his hand does not need to be exchanged for US dollars. Moreover, the yen not only retains its value, but will also appreciate in the future.

Time passed day by day, and Lin Zhichao was also looking forward to it every day.

Finally, on July 26, Egyptian President Nasser announced that the Egyptian government would nationalize the Suez Canal Company and transfer all its assets to Egypt. At the same time, the fleets of non-friendly countries were not allowed to pass through the Suez Canal.

The world's shipping is in an uproar!

Fleets of non-friendly countries, which are not allowed to pass through the Suez Canal. This means that the British, French, and American fleets cannot pass, and the Japanese fleets naturally cannot pass, and the Hong Kong ships, which are still British colonies, cannot pass either.

This means that more than 80% of the world's ships can only make a detour to the Cape of Good Hope.

All of a sudden, shipping prices began to soar.

Clam Oil.

Wellon in the charter department was in a state of frustration because many shipowners were starting to shirk charters, knowing that they would rather dock their ships in port than wait for prices to rise.

"Manager, Onassis said that his ship may have to go to the dockyard for maintenance for a week or two after completing the mission, and the contract will not be renewed for the time being." One of his men came to report.

Wei Long suddenly patted his desk and said in an atmospheric manner: "Damn! These Greeks who sit on the ground and start at the price, how much do they have to go up to renew the lease. ”

"Greek tankers have a large share of the market, and now they are joining forces to raise prices, and freight rates are expected to increase by more than three or four times," said his subordinates. ”

It is impossible to triple it, because the distance itself is twice as far, and the original 45-day voyage (round-trip plus port time) now takes about 75 days; As a result, the shipping cost must be doubled per transaction.

Another account, because of the need to detour the Cape of Good Hope, the world's capacity has been chaotic, almost lacking 30~50% of the capacity; In this way, the shipowner naturally has to sit on the ground and increase the price, so it has to double the price, so it is more reasonable for the freight to rise to 4 times.

However, things are often unreasonable, so 5 times the shipping cost is normal.

Weilong had a big headache, because Europe does not produce oil, especially the oil that Britain and France need to be transported back from the Middle East, so they must have enough transportation.

Otherwise, it will have a huge impact on the European economy.

"The price increase, we take the initiative to give them an increase, we must rent a ship as soon as possible, once there is a shortage of oil, it will be a really bad thing."

At this time, the subordinate said: "We take the initiative to rise, and we can't satisfy their appetite at all, so it's better to test their meaning." By the way, manager, have you forgotten who has the largest oil tanker in the world? Large oil tankers can not only pass through the Cape of Good Hope smoothly, but also transport a huge amount of oil, and the corresponding price can also be reasonably reduced. ”

Weilong's spirit was shocked, and he said: "Yes, it is the Asian ship king, he owns 8 large oil tankers of 56,000 tons, I almost forgot about him." Yes, I immediately contacted Global Shipping, and I believe that they must not be as blind as the Greek shipowners. ”

He had forgotten who had no one in mind to treat global shipping, and it was like grasping at a life-saving straw.

The subordinate said, "Yes! The important thing is that the advantages of large oil tankers are too great, and now many oil tankers of 10,000 or 20,000 tons may not dare to cross the Cape of Good Hope. The large oil tankers owned by Global Shipping will become the backbone of transportation in the world. ”

A ship of one or two hundred thousand tons will not be able to cross the Cape of Good Hope, but in the case of strong winds and waves, the risk will increase.

Weilong was not arrogant at this time, and was eager to contact Global Shipping immediately, hoping to lease a few 56,000-ton ships to solve the problem.

At the same time, many oil companies around the world have thought of global shipping, and they may have laughed at it some time ago that one Asian shipowner is a manifestation of the presumptuousness of building so many large oil tankers.

But now, global shipping is king!

There are more than 45,000 tons of oil tankers in the world, and there are not 15 of them, but global shipping has half of them!

The size of the ship not only means that it can pass through the Cape of Good Hope smoothly, but also means that the capacity is increased, the cost is reduced, and so on.

Because of this, the world's major shipbuilding countries are considering building bigger ships. (End of chapter)