Lin Zhichao came to the production workshop of 'doll noodles' to inspect, the neat and clean environment, the German-made machines, and the completion of the dough cakes, all made Lin Zhichao very proud.

Although the machine is made in Germany, it is developed by Changjiang Industrial Group, and has registered British, American, and international patents.

Changjiang Industrial Group has dozens of mechanical engineers, and it is also a strategic alliance with Bourne Machinery, so it can be regarded as a technology company.

"Can this year's 'doll noodles' break through the sales of 10 million bags?" Lin Zhichao asked.

General Manager Chen Ping said confidently: "No problem! In addition to the Hong Kong market, we have also opened up the market of Sing Tao, and our sales capacity has been greatly enhanced. ”

Because they are all Chinese areas, so there is no shortage of agents, Hong Kong doll noodles were listed in 1956, and last year (1957) has entered the Sing Tao market.

In fact, selling 10 million bags a year is nothing.

In later generations, the average annual consumption of instant noodles per person in a country or region should be more than 10 bags, or even 20~40 bags. Of course, considering the economic situation, it is definitely not up to that kind of spending power at the moment!

At present, Hong Kong has a population of about 2.5 million, and the average annual consumption of 2~3 bags is obviously nothing!

"How's the situation over there?"

Chen Ping immediately reported in detail:

"It's been almost a year and a half since Nissin ramen was launched, and at 35 yen a bag, it's a huge hit in Japan, and now it's selling 8 million bags a month. However, now that there are some imitation instant noodles in Japan, they have deciphered the technology of making instant noodles and the machinery and equipment, and the prices are starting to decrease. ”

"Recently, I have hired a team of Japanese lawyers and asked Nissin Momofuku Ando to assist me in preparing for a lawsuit in Japan over the copyright of 'instant noodles' and the patent technology rights for instant noodle machines."

Lin Zhichao asked again: "What happens after you win?" ”

If you win, you can definitely win, and the Japanese don't dare to break the patent rules for a small instant noodle technology.

However, there must be a way for the Japanese to change the way in which domestic companies can produce instant noodles, such as referring to monopolies. If doll noodles do not enter Japan, then Nissin ramen will be the target of 'sanctions'.

Moreover, there is another way, the Japanese official sentence you to win the lawsuit, but those manufacturers continue to produce as usual, so the doll noodles with patent rights, do you have to go to court with dozens, or even hundreds of Japanese instant noodle companies, one by one?

Apparently there is not so much energy!

Chen Ping said: "As long as we have the copyright of Japan's 'instant noodles', we can take the initiative, at least we can collect 'transfer royalties', which is a lot more income." In addition, the instant noodle machine is patented, and Japanese equipment manufacturers can also be charged. ”

Lin Zhichao said: "Well, it makes sense! You can discuss more with Momofuku Ando, he is Japanese, and better solve these problems. Of course, the 'instant noodle copyright' and 'machinery and equipment patent' you mentioned must be won in Japan. Later, I'm going to Japan to order an oil tanker, and then I'll go with you to Nissin Ramen to inspect and meet Momofuku Ando. ”

Chen Ping said: "Okay, I'll arrange the time!" ”

Lin Zhichao has also formed a 'general direction of development' in his mind for the instant noodle industry.

At present, Doll Noodles holds 49% of Nissin Ramen's shares, and Momofuku Ando is working for Lin Zhichao.

Because at the beginning, the doll transferred the technology and patent of 'instant noodles' to him, provided him with the right to purchase the machine, and provided him with a loan when Momofuku Ando suffered a 'bankruptcy crisis'. Therefore, the current cooperation between the two parties is very pleasant.

At the same time, the future cooperation with South Korea and Taiwan will be completed by doll noodles. Unless Koreans are immoral and steal Hong Kong's 'instant noodles' technology and patents.

This is also why Lin Zhichao is very supportive of Chen Ping going to Japan to 'fight a lawsuit', and doll noodles must establish the image of the inventor of 'instant noodles'.

If you want to produce instant noodles, you must pay a patent technology transfer fee; If you want to produce instant noodle machines, you must also pay royalties.

Even if it's cheaper, you have to pay it, otherwise you will have to file a lawsuit!

Thinking of the future Korean people who like to talk about 'instant noodles' in variety shows, known as a big country of instant noodles, Lin Zhichao wants to laugh, when the time comes, Hong Kong TV's variety show, come to a 'instant noodles are invented in Hong Kong', this will be a slap in the face!

"I invested in a plot of land in Kwun Tong with the intention of building an industrial building, and then the doll noodles would be moved to it for production. Instant noodles are a university question, and the strength and texture of noodles, as well as various flavors of instant noodles, such as seafood instant noodles, are all future research directions. I hope you, the general manager, can take a long-term view! ”

Chen Ping's spirit was shocked, he absolutely admired Lin Zhichao, the boss, often taking one step and thinking three steps, and his understanding and views on instant noodles were far longer than his vision.

The only thing that puzzled him was, did the boss have time?

"Yes, boss, by the way, boss, do we need to enter Japan, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, South Korea and other regions?"

Of course he wanted to enter, but the boss set the tone at the beginning, which was to sell in Sing Tao.

Lin Zhichao said: "There is no need to enter now, it will be bad for us!" We only need to cooperate with local companies in these regions and countries at the right opportunity to enter through equity participation, so that we can continue to make profits. Only when the time is ripe will the doll face consider entering overseas. After all, if there are no locals to open up the market and raise the popularity of instant noodles, we will not be interested in sales. ”

In the mid-60s, doll noodles could take the lead in developing 'expanded polystyrene as containers' cup noodles to develop markets in overseas countries and regions.

At that time, it will be easy to enter the overseas market.

In recent years, it is better to accumulate strength first, after all, the rice has to be eaten in one bite.

Chen Ping said modestly: "Yes, we will first improve our visibility and accumulate strength, so that we can develop outward in the future." ”

Lin Zhichao said with satisfaction: "So your management must be ready for challenges, and the doll face will not be a small fight, but to become a world brand." ”

In this life, Nissin ramen is limited to Japan, after all, it is no longer possible to achieve overseas achievements by losing the right to jointly venture with Taiwan and South Korea, and the 'cup noodles' will also be developed first by doll noodles.

Of course, even if Nissin instant noodles develop better overseas, Lin Zhichao will not suffer, after all, 49% of the shares are there.

In early June, Lin Zhichao led a team to inspect the Ishikawajima shipyard in Japan.

At the shipyard, Lin Zhichao listened carefully to the introduction of Toshio Tsuchimitsu, the president of Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries.

"The actual deadweight of the 100,000-ton oil tanker we designed is 104,520 tons, the length is 288 meters, and the maximum draft is 15.65 meters, which is enough to pass through the Suez Canal."

Lin Zhichao said with some worry: "What about the technology? ”

At present, only 70,000 tons of oil tankers will be launched this year, and 100,000 tons of oil tankers will be launched next year, although Lin Zhichao believes in Japan's shipbuilding capacity (the state organizes various study groups, and after learning well in Europe and the United States, it will be sent to various shipyards), but Japan's speed makes Lin Zhichao a little incredible.

Toshio Toshio then said confidently: "Mr. Lin, it was only after the technical demonstration that we dared to build a 100,000-ton oil tanker. At present, we have already placed orders with shipping companies in China. ”

Lin Zhichao immediately said: "I have always trusted Japanese shipbuilders very much, and you are also the best shipbuilding country in the world for after-sales after shipbuilding, so this time I still believe in your technology and strength." ”

If a new ship launched by a Japanese shipyard has a problem anywhere in the world, they will send engineers to repair and inspect it as soon as possible. Lin Zhichao also admires this attitude towards after-sales.

Toshio Toshio Toshimitsu is very happy, for Lin Zhichao, a customer, Japanese shipyards are very aware of its strength and reputation, and it is the object of major shipyards.

Moreover, it is rumored that Global Shipping accepts the Japanese yen settlement of charter companies, and even the funds are deposited in major Japanese banks and are not withdrawn. That is, Global Shipping itself intends to build ships in Japan.

However, the shipyards that have been in contact with Lin Zhichao know that Lin Zhichao is a shipowner who is very knowledgeable about technology, and he also likes large oil tankers and large cargo ships.

"Mr. Lin, please come here, let's go to the conference room to talk!"

"Please"

This time he came to Japan, Lin Zhichao really had the intention of building a 100,000-ton oil tanker, so he had already made a decision in his heart at this time.

But in the conference room, the two sides negotiated for a long time, from technology to price, they were the key negotiation objects.

For a 100,000-ton oil tanker, the price quoted by Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Industries is 9.8 million US dollars, which is still very cheap.

The price of the ship is not fixed, the price can rise by 10~20% in the peak season, and it may be cheaper in the off-season, which is also related to the price of steel. The cost of shipbuilding in Japan is only about 70% of that of Europe and the United States, so the price is very advantageous.

At present, a 100,000-ton oil tanker can build a first-class Grade A office building (counting land) in Central, Hong Kong; But 20 years later, a 200,000-ton oil tanker can only buy a 'medium-sized building' in Central, and it depends on the location and area.

If Lin Zhichao is not rich and can afford to buy a building in Central, Hong Kong at any time, otherwise he would rather use the funds to buy a building in Central, of course, provided that someone sells it or auctions it off the official land.

"President Tsuchimitsu, in the next three years, we are expected to build 20 oil tankers of more than 100,000 tons in Japan. And we can give priority to meet the 'low price leasing' of Japanese customers, and at this point, we Global Shipping, your Japanese shipbuilding industry, and shipping companies should form a tacit consensus - you ship ships to us at low prices, and we give priority to low cost leasing to you. ”

Toshio Tsuchimitsu was taken aback when he heard about the 20 oil tankers of more than 100,000 tons, and then remembered that Global Shipping accepted the yen settlement of Japanese shipping companies, which also verified this point even more.

"If that's the case, we can get a minimum price of $9.5 million a ship!"

There is no need to sign any formal contract, and he believes in Lin Zhichao's credibility.

Lin Zhichao nodded, and then agreed to the price. After all, when it comes to this, there is no point in bargaining, and this is not buying vegetables.

In fact, in this 'little cold winter' when the market is not good, Lin Zhichao only needs to guarantee the price of 'six years of rent recovery', of course, the lease period is generally three years, because the oil tanker market in the 60s was good.

The life of an oil tanker is far less than that of a cargo ship, which can be scrapped for 40 years, but the life of an oil tanker may only be 20 years, and it has to be scrapped. The average life of oil tankers in later generations is only about 12 years, so the rate of return of oil tankers is generally about 15~25%.

Lin Zhichao threw out an order for 20 oil tankers, and he didn't need to bear any legal responsibility, but just wanted to reach a tacit cooperation between the three parties. In fact, he may build more than 20 oil tankers, and customers in Japan, the United States, and Europe are still very popular with Lin Zhichao's fleet.

After talking about the two oil tankers, Lin Zhichao threw out another question: "President Tuguang, do you know the semi-submersible ship designed by the Chinese-American scholar Kabaoqi?" ”

Toshio Toshio's business was still very familiar, and then said, "I know! However, this type of ship is only theoretically passed in the laboratory, and Mr. Mo Feilin is optimistic? ”

Lin Zhichao pretended to be profound: "Although it is only the design of the laboratory, I have consulted him himself, and through careful argumentation, I think it is feasible." Once built, this type of ship will be much faster and will reduce fuel consumption, so I would like to work with your company to build a 12,000-ton multi-purpose passenger and cargo ship based on this design, which will sail to a fixed route on the West Coast of the United States. ”

In this era, some people dare not make airplanes, some people can't afford to sit on airplanes, and some people are inconvenient to make airplanes, so there are 'passenger and cargo ships'.

Toshio Tsuchimitsu immediately said: "If Mr. Lin is interested in this ship type, we are willing to cooperate with this project to build a semi-submersible passenger and cargo ship." ”

"Okay, I'll let someone go to the United States to talk later, and then come to your company to talk."

For Kaboc, he is of course very happy if someone is willing to bring his experiment to life. If he succeeds, he will gain fame and fortune.

This experiment has been published in magazines since the mid-fifties, and no shipowner has been willing to try it, but now Lin Zhichao is bold to try, firstly, because he has analyzed the technology and thinks that the design scheme is feasible; Second, Lin Zhichao also hopes to show his professional knowledge in the shipping industry.

In his previous life, Dong Haoyun looked down on Bao Yugang, and Bao Yugang only knew that 'long-term lease to customers' was calculated as economic accounts and bank accounts, but he did not reflect his skills in shipping.

In 1954, Dong Haoyun set up a shipping magazine, which published some shipping technologies and prices for reference.

In this life, Lin Zhichao also published the whole system design of 'container shipping' in 1954, and as soon as the article came out, it was sought after by the world shipping magazine; as a result, the Americans achieved this goal last year, and by the way, Lin Zhichao became famous again.

Lin Zhichao's publication is not the theoretical knowledge of his previous life, but his technology in this life, which integrates the theories of his previous life, and the participation of the global shipping 'advisory group' during the period.

Anyway, Lin Zhichao also needs to brush up on his character all the time, so he occasionally publishes some articles for shipping magazines.

After handling the two oil tankers, Lin Zhichao came to the headquarters of Nissin Ramen, accompanied by Chen Ping's doll noodle management.

Momofuku Ando still has no complaints about Lin Zhichao, or for doll noodles, on the contrary, he is grateful, after all, doll noodles are the inventor of instant noodles; He himself didn't know that it was the doll face that robbed him of his invention, after all, it was more than two years in advance.

"Mr. Lin and Manager Chen, welcome to Nissin Ramen Inspection!"

"Mr. Anteng, under your leadership, Nissin Ramen is really envious of its development!"

In a year and a half, the monthly sales volume is 8 million packs, and the annual sales volume is 100 million packs, which is really fast.

Momofuku Ando said modestly: "Japan has a large population base, and the speed of development is normal, and Nissin ramen has just started!" ”

Lin Zhichao nodded.

Subsequently, Momofuku Ando led everyone to inspect the headquarters office building of Nissin Ramen and introduced the management. After all, Doll Noodles is also a shareholder, and it is also a shareholder with 49% of the shares, although this shareholder will not participate in the management of Nissin Ramen, but the shares are very heavy after all.

After visiting the circle, it gives people the feeling that it is developing rapidly, but when you think about the annual sales of 100 million packs of ramen, the profit is 10 million or 20 million Hong Kong dollars, so it is a matter of course.

Back in the room, everyone sat down and talked.

"Nissin ramen is currently priced at 35 yen, but now that many Japanese manufacturers are entering the market at a cheaper price, we are having a big problem." Momofuku Ando introduced.

Lin Zhichao said: "I always believe that companies that fight price wars may not survive in the end. The most important thing is the texture, taste, and quality, because it is not delicious, no matter how cheap it is, I will not choose it. ”

When Momofuku Ando heard this, he said, "What you said makes a lot of sense! But then the conversation changed and said: "Mr. Lin, the market in Hong Kong is small after all, have you considered selling the doll noodles to Nissin Ramen, we are willing to pay a high price!" ”

Lin Zhichao and Chen Ping were stunned, neither of them expected that Momofuku Ando would have this idea.

Indeed, if you are an ordinary person, you may also consider selling it if you own a 49% stake in Nissin Ramen and do not have a huge market. But Lin Zhichao is an ordinary person, so he won't consider this at all.

Chen Ping immediately said: "Mr. Anteng, I know that you fancy the patent in our hands, right?" ”

Momofuku Ando nodded honestly and said, "Yes, I can't deny this!" In the face of copycat factories in Japan, we Nissin Ramen need patents to deal with them! ”

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "If you give Mr. An Teng a patent, how will you deal with them?" Don't they be allowed to produce? ”

Looking at Lin Zhichao's relaxed smile, Momofuku Ando suddenly understood that the opponent could see far farther than him.

He could only say: "The only way to do this is to take the copyright in Japan first, and then restrain them and collect royalties." After all, the Japanese government does not allow a monopoly on the production of instant noodles, because this product can greatly alleviate the shortage of Japanese agriculture. ”

After so many years of recovery, Japan's agriculture still cannot meet the food supply of the Japanese, so American flour still occupies a large share; However, Japanese people don't like to eat bread, so ramen alleviates this problem.

So, why instant noodles are said to be 'one of the greatest inventions', is because it is a very useful product for Japan, as well as for Korea. Because the United States only supplies flour from these two countries, it will not supply them with rice, because Americans don't like to eat rice.

Lin Zhichao said seriously: "This time we came to Japan, it is for the 'instant noodle Japanese copyright', although we are foreigners, but Japan, as a country with rapid economic development, has no reason not to pay attention to patents. So, I believe we can win the case in Japan. In the future, we can open it to other brands in Japan, but they all charge royalties. In the same way, we also have a patent for the instant noodle making machine. ”

Momofuku Ando smiled bitterly: "Mr. Lin is really good at business, I admit that what you said is very reasonable!" ”

Why did he smile bitterly?

This is because in this way, the patent rights of doll noodles have been developed to many manufacturers, but only Nissin Ramen has paid a share; Although when the factory was first built, the doll face also provided a lot of help - such as providing access to the machine and loans.

But undoubtedly, the price of Nissin ramen is the greatest.

Next, Lin Zhichao eased the atmosphere: "Mr. An Teng, this time I came to inspect Nissin Ramen, and I also hope to get your help and participate in winning the 'Japanese copyright of instant noodles' for us." In any case, Nissin Ramen was the first to get the license and the first to occupy the Japanese market. In addition, we will not charge too high royalties, and Nissin Ramen will be a leader in the ramen industry in Japan in the future, so we can cooperate in these areas. ”

The implication is that the patent fee will allow Nissin Ramen to participate in the negotiations, and if it is cheap, then Nissin Ramen can gain fame in the Japanese industry.

In fact, Lin Zhichao doesn't plan to charge too much, because if he collects expensive, he will offend people. What he wants is the 'right to reputation', and even if each company gives 20,000 US dollars for the patent, I believe that dozens of companies will pay, which is also a lot of wealth.

"Yes, I promise this, after all, I also hope that the Japanese ramen industry can develop healthily."

As the saying goes, if you want a dog to work, you have to throw at least one bone.

At this time, Lin Zhichao threw a bone, he said: "In view of the cooperation between the two companies, I suggest that they jointly develop a new flavor of ramen, what do you think?" ”

Momofuku Ando's eyes lit up and said, "What direction do you have?" ”

Chen Ping said at this time: "Mr. An Teng has to agree to cooperate or not before we can say it!" ”

Momofuku Ando immediately agreed.

Chen Ping then said: "Tonkotsu ramen! ”

The so-called pork bones are not the taste of the bones of some rare animals, but the taste of pig bones.

'Dolphin' means pig in classical Chinese and Japanese, and there is an important knowledge here that dolphin is a Chinese character, not Japanese.

In later generations, many people ate tonkotsu ramen, thinking that it was a Japanese patent, but they did not know that "porpoise" means "pig" in classical Chinese.

Momofuku Ando immediately said, "I agree with this joint development project!" ”

It takes a lot of experimentation to study a flavor of instant noodles, and it is normal for one or two years to be successful.

Back then, instant noodles were researched for two years, and that was because Lin Zhichao gave too many opinions, so they were not innovative, and they could be carried out according to his ideas.

After this cooperation was finalized, Momofuku Ando asked again: "Mr. Lin, how do you compete in the overseas market?" ”

The implication is that you won't talk about patents!

Lin Zhichao said: "Nissin ramen can enter a country and region, including Hong Kong. However, when we cooperate with overseas companies, we have to pay royalties. Of course, I still hope that overseas companies will cooperate with us, after all, we are the inventors. ”

If the Koreans don't cooperate with the doll noodles, it will be difficult for the doll noodles to go to South Korea to win, and the place is still a barren place, and there is no reason to talk about it. Therefore, Lin Zhichao didn't say too much.

But on Taiwan Island, Lin Zhichao is going to find a company to cooperate in the sixties.

As for doll noodles going overseas, it has to be a matter of the future, that is, the day of the birth of cup noodles.

Momofuku Ando was very satisfied with Lin Zhichao's reply and said, "No problem! ”

Since Lin Zhichao said this, a meaning suddenly appeared in his heart, there is still a chance to buy doll noodles in the future. If Nissin ramen grows bigger in the overseas market, and the patent for doll noodles has expired, is it necessary for the Hong Kong market not to be acquired?

Therefore, Momofuku Ando has ignited hope again - to buy doll noodles!

In fact, he's dreaming!

Lin Zhichao wouldn't have considered it at all.

On the same day, the two parties signed a new memorandum of cooperation, which mentions a number of cooperation projects.

On the whole, both sides are relatively satisfied.

Momofuku Ando is also very happy to participate in the development of 'tonkotsu ramen', after all, the most beneficial is Nissin ramen.

(End of chapter)