Time flies, and in a blink of an eye, it is April 1967.

In the conference room of Cheung Kong Industrial, Lin Zhichao was having a meeting with more than a dozen senior executives.

There are more than 160 staff in the entire headquarters of Cheung Kong Asset, not including hotel staff, shopping mall staff, etc., not including construction workers, stone miners, etc.

This is already the strength of the largest real estate company in Hong Kong, and you must know that Sun Hung Kai has only a dozen employees.

Tang Caiyun also attended the meeting, she is special in Cheung Kong Industrial, and has formed a tacit understanding with the management led by Huang Changhong - Tang Caiyun will not interfere in everyone's work and express her own opinions too much; However, the management headed by Huang Changhong will report to Tang Caiyun when Lin Zhichao is not in Hong Kong.

Tang Caiyun is not the 'queen' of Changjiang Industrial, she has real power, but she generally does not use real power, but whether the supervision and management are doing what Lin Zhichao wants. At this point, she did a very perfect job and won Lin Zhichao's trust.

Lin Zhichao was also worried about letting Tang Caiyun participate in the company's work in the past, and over time, would there often be some disagreements with the management represented by Huang Changhong, resulting in Huang Changhong's management not knowing who to listen to!

You should listen to the boss, but the boss's wife is offended.

It turned out that Lin Zhichao's worries were unnecessary!

In the conference room, Hu Zhaoxu expressed an opinion: "The real estate in the first quarter of this year has a trend of recovery, probably because after two years of market digestion, the inventory of residential buildings has almost ended."

He only talks about the things he analyzes, but he doesn't talk about suggesting that the company buy the bottom, which is quite smart.

Lin Zhichao changed the subject: "How is the situation in Singapore?" ”

Liang Guangchang immediately said: "The hotel project is progressing smoothly, and there is no problem with the topping out on time!" As for the Singapore government's plan for Orchard Road, it should have reached the last moment, and it should be clear this year. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "That's not in a hurry!" Once they were clear, we would consider investing in a shopping mall and office building. ”

For this kind of thing, Singapore officials will contact Lin Zhichao, after all, there are few businessmen who have the strength to invest in shopping malls; But Lin Zhichao must be the best candidate, with strong funds and experience.

After some communication, Changjiang Industrial can be regarded as stabilizing the morale of the army.

Lin Zhichao didn't know if his subordinates would want to emigrate at that time, and asked him to resign; Of course, Lin Zhichao will try his best to persuade them to stay, at such an old age, there is no need to go to an unfamiliar environment abroad.

If you want to immigrate, let your children immigrate first.

Cheung Kong still has a cash flow of 72 million at this time, which is the situation after the investment in Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore was allocated to a company in Singapore, which is a bit insufficient.

However, Lin Zhichao is not worried, Cheung Kong Industries Group has about 480 million Hong Kong dollars of cash flow in its hands, which can be supported at any time.

After the meeting, Tang Caiyun followed Lin Zhichao back to his office.

"Husband, are you worried about something?" Tang Caiyun asked worriedly.

Lin Zhichao played with her jade hand and said casually, "How do you know?" ”

Tang Caiyun simply sat on the armrest of Lin Zhichao's chair, and then said: "Recently, you have strengthened the security forces of the villas at No. 79 and No. 80 in Deep Water Bay, and added bodyguards to the children, so it is not difficult for me to find these strange places." ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, I'm a little worried!" Hong Kong is so close to the mainland, and I am worried about the ripple effect, so there is no problem in taking precautions. You don't have to worry about anything, you just need to remember that Hong Kong's prospects are no problem, and we must firmly develop our base camp in Hong Kong. ”

Tang Caiyun nodded and said, "Oh, I understand!" ”

She understands that although her husband is very good to the workers, he is also very close to the British. If you have a long mind, there is no problem, and in extraordinary times, it is natural to pay more attention to the safety of your family.

Lin Zhichao continued: "By the way, I plan to extract 300 million Hong Kong dollars from the cash flow of Cheung Kong Industries Group and inject it into the Global Group. This month, I also have to build 10 226,000-ton oil tankers, and in order not to make the debt of the global group too high, I will temporarily borrow 300 million Hong Kong dollars from the Cheung Kong Industrial Group. ”

Tang Caiyun said with a smile: "It's all your money, what do you tell me to do!" ”

Lin Zhichao patted the back of Tang Caiyun's hand and said, "I want to make it clear to you, after all, you are also involved in my career, and you must know the financial transactions." ”

Tang Caiyun nodded, and she suddenly said curiously: "If the Global Group builds another 10 226,000-ton oil tankers, wouldn't it have a deadweight of 12 million tons?" ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Yes!" But when it reaches 20 million tons, I will stop developing. ”

Tang Caiyun secretly smacked her tongue, her husband is really good at making money.

In fact, many insiders are already worried that Lin Zhichao's boat may not be able to be rented.

If it is known that Lin Zhichao plans to order 10 226,000-ton oil tankers, I am afraid that everyone will say that he is a fool, and the development is not so rash. With 20 226,000-ton oil tankers, the global market has suddenly increased so much, I am afraid it will be unbearable.

It is an exaggeration for a 4.5 million-ton oil tanker to be launched in a year and a half.

Of course, Lin Zhichao is not worried, the Suez Canal will have to be closed in June this year, and the capacity of 4.5 million tons at that time is nothing, 45 million tons is about the same.

After all, once the canal is closed, it is equivalent to twice the world's ships under 100,000 tons; At present, although the ship is developing in the general direction, the total tonnage of more than 100,000 tons still accounts for a very small proportion, after all, it has not been developed for a few years!

At the same time, Lin Zhichao calculated an account as of the end of June this year.

Universal's 'net debt' is about $150 million, including the ships launched in the second half of the year;

The 10 ships that are about to be built, because of the injection of 53 million US dollars, do not need loans for the time being, after all, they only need to pay 25~30% of the construction cost. Even if you need a loan, you only need $150 million.

And then, starting in July, the profitability of global shipping will rise sharply.

According to the fleet of 900 million US dollars, 30% of the annual profit will be as high as about 270 million US dollars a year.

Double!

When the shipbuilding of Global Shipping reaches 20 million tons, the debt may be gone!

"Boss, Japanese shipyards have increased their prices this year, and several shipyards that can receive 226,000 tons of oil tankers have quoted 21 million US dollars, which is still the price for our Global Group." Feng Yongfa came back from an inspection in Japan and told Lin Zhichao a not-so-good news.

Lin Zhichao didn't care too much, but still asked, "What is the reason?" ”

Feng Yongfa said: "It probably opened up the VLCC market! At the end of last year, Dong Haoyun also built six 226,000-ton oil tankers, which shows that many people really attach importance to VLCC oil tankers. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Well, is there a delay in the delivery of their order?" ”

Feng Yongfa immediately said: "This is not needed, several shipyards have sworn to ensure that the ship will be delivered within 12~18 months." And said that our order does not need to queue. ”

Lin Zhichao knew that it was time to sign a contract for ten VLCCs this month. Once the Suez Canal is closed, shipyards will also have a large increase in orders, not to mention whether to queue or not, the cost of shipbuilding alone will have to increase by more than 10%.

Because the cost of shipbuilding itself is affected by the market, but also by the price of steel. In the early eighties, a 300,000-ton VLCC oil tanker was built, and the cost was 50 million US dollars; But if you build a boat, after five years, the ship will only sell for $5 million.

This is the reason why Dong Haoyun and Zhao Congyan almost went bankrupt. The price of the ship has also plummeted by the market, and you can't sell the ship if you want to. I can only find someone to inject capital and wait for the cold winter of shipping to slowly pass.

Dong Haoyun was able to build six 226,000-ton ships last year, which impressed him. Since Kennedy's death, the new U.S. president immediately expanded the Vietnam War, so Asian shipping is also very good.

By virtue of his relationship with the US government, Dong Haoyun also received a lot of transportation of military supplies, making a lot of money.

The Global Group also received some jobs, but it was not as strong as Dong Haoyun's relationship, after all, Dong Haoyun was from Taiwan and cooperated with the US military in his early years.

So Dong Haoyun made money and immediately borrowed money to build a ship, which is similar to his style. It's a pity that he is less than two million tons of ships, and he has to develop slowly.

"Okay, let's go to Japan next week and complete this year's shipbuilding task!"

Feng Yongfa hesitated for a moment and asked, "Does the boss think that something will happen to the Suez Canal?" ”

After all, the company's sudden increase in debt is different from the boss's usual style.

Lin Zhichao said: "Do you think something will happen?" ”

Shipping, the most concerned is the politics of Europe and the United States, the situation in the Middle East.

Feng Yongfa thought for a while and said: "In recent years, Israel and the Arab League (the United Arab States led by Egypt) have indeed been in conflict, and there was an air war between Syria and Israel last month, and Syria lost six warplanes. Maybe there could be a real war! ”

Lin Zhichao said calmly: "Regardless of whether there is a war or not, I have mobilized 300 million Hong Kong dollars from other companies, which can be used as a deposit for this shipbuilding." That adds up to about $320 million in near-term and forward liabilities. Even with the current market, two and a half years is enough to pay it off, and it won't get in the way! ”

Feng Yongfa nodded and said, "Okay! ”

He just reminded his boss a little that the debt was a little higher.

Although it is said that with the current market, it can be almost paid off in two years, without building a new ship. However, I am afraid that the new ships will not be leased out, and the shipping will fall, and the debt of more than 300 million US dollars will be fatal.

Of course, the current shipping situation is good, and it should not fall suddenly, Feng Yongfa thought.

Two days later, Lin Zhichao came to the Yangtze River Industrial Park again, and he asked several group executives to accompany him to inspect the production workshop.

"How many workers are there in the Yangtze River Industrial Park now?" Lin Zhichao asked.

"There are a total of 12,100 workers and employees in the Yangtze River Industrial Park, mainly concentrated in the toy and zipper factories, and there are not many workers in high-end wigs and Midea electrical appliances. The smelter in Tseung Kwan O has a total of 1,500 workers. Wang Liang immediately replied.

Midea electrical appliances have not developed very well, and radios and electric fans are not among the top three in Hong Kong; In fact, there are no serious developments either.

Lin Zhichao asked again: "Then what about everyone's salary?" ”

Wang Liang and everyone were a little surprised, the boss should know, but think that the boss may want to lead to the next topic.

"The salaries are all very good! According to your instructions, at the end of last year, some low-income people and child laborers who were unskilled workers were dismissed, and now our workers are almost all skilled workers, and their salaries generally reach 250~300 Hong Kong dollars. This level is already almost the highest in Hong Kong, and it is difficult for any factory to reach this average figure. ”

"Well, we are the largest industrial group in Hong Kong, and naturally we are also the industrial group with the best treatment."

After that, Lin Zhichao didn't talk about these anymore, and the layout had already been laid out.

It is not only to ensure that the Yangtze River Industrial Group does not break out into a strike wave, but more importantly, it is necessary for everyone to unite as one to ensure normal production for the next half of the year.

Of course, in fact, the strikes in Hong Kong are those with trade unions, namely Hong Kong Tramways, Star Ferry, HK Electric, Minibus, KMB, etc. Although it started as a private plastic flower company at the beginning, it was just an introduction, and it was organized in the later stage.

In fact, Hong Kong's industrial output will not fall this year and will continue to grow. This also proves that Hong Kong's private enterprises are still very strong, and if you want to make trouble, I will fire you, and you will be able to find someone to work in immediately.

When he arrived at the production workshop, Lin Zhichao looked more comfortable.

While other factories in Hong Kong are generally small and cluttered, Cheung Kong's factories are orderly, clean, and not too dense.

This is due to the 4S management system and the full 1.2 million square feet of factory floor, which is very sufficient, but half empty. Because plastic flowers and wigs are not produced, many factories are left.

After some inspection, Lin Zhichao wanted to take the senior management to the workers' canteen for dinner.

However, as soon as he finished eating, he lost his appetite, but he still sat down with the executives to eat.

"I remember that the standard was 5 cents per person, what do you think?" Lin Zhichao was a little unhappy while eating.

Wang Liang shaved the vegetables, and then said: "There is oil, water and meat, the standard should not be wrong, and our procurement department has supervised corruption." It's just that this dish is not fried carefully, and I feel that the chef is very irresponsible. ”

Lin Zhichao said: "Then you don't need to say! Later, if you improve this aspect later, the food standard of five cents is already very high, and last year it was a big deal for the price increase of five cents. For five cents, you can buy a bowl of white porridge and a plate of side dishes, and you can eat breakfast; Now I take out a five-corner lunch for each of the workers, and I am not happy to eat it like this, and I can't make the cooks fool around. In this regard, give me a good job as soon as possible! In the future, the management of the group will take turns to experience it. ”

"Well, we'll do it seriously!"

Many workers looked at them curiously, and they may not know Lin Zhichao and them very well, but suits and leather shoes are still relatively rare. The management has a special canteen, and the concept of hierarchy still needs to be there.

Seeing this, Lin Zhichao beckoned to two female workers.

"What do you think of the food now?"

The two female workers were a little scared, and one of them said, "It's much better than last year, there is meat in every ton!" ”

Lin Zhichao picked up a piece of fat meat and said, "Can you eat this kind of meat?" ”

There are many female workers in the Yangtze River Industry, there is no discrimination, and men and women are paid equally for equal work.

"It's a little fat, but I can eat it once in a while!"

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "That's it!" The chef doesn't know how to do it, so rest assured, the situation will improve in a week. If the chef doesn't burn well, replace them. Go ahead! ”

Subsequently, Lin Zhichao said to the high-level management: "You can make two dishes and fry them separately!" A dish with more oil and water, a vegetable, and the cost is actually the same, it depends on whether they use it or not! ”

Wang Liang nodded and said: "The boss is right, in this regard, our company is 'people-oriented, treat employees well', but the work has not been done well." ”

Lin Zhichao said: "Why is our factory so big in Hong Kong and so profitable? Not to mention the big aspect, there are a lot of skilled workers in our factory, many of whom have been working for more than five or ten years. Precisely, our zippers and toys are competing with Japan, relying on quality. Assuming that the zippers are made raw, can you ensure that the quality is still so good? ”

Wang Liang said: "Definitely not! Details determine success or failure, these skilled workers are very precious, and new employees can only do some processes that do not affect them. ”

After talking about the principles of management, everyone gained a lot.

Lin Zhichao has inspected many factories in Germany and Japan, and the quality of their workers is really good, so he has also made great efforts in this area over the years.

A week later, Lin Zhichao embarked on a trip to Japan, where he wanted to build 10 226,000-ton oil tankers. However, he agreed with the shipyards that it would be kept secret, at least the shipbuilder's owner would keep his identity secret.

A total of four shipyards have completed orders, and the delivery date is 12~18 times. In other words, it was delivered in October 1968 at the latest; At that time, it has just been closed for a year, and other people's boats have not yet been launched, and they are still very popular.

It is expected that the first four years will be in a state of shortage of merchant ships, after all, shipyards have not had time to build; There is a fixed number of ships that can be built in the dockyard in a year.

(End of chapter)