Lin Zhichao returned to Hong Kong from overseas, and it was already late April.

On this day, he and Ho Sin Heng, Ho Tim, Zheng Yutong, Guo Desheng, Yang Zhiyun and others gathered in a teahouse room in Central.

The initiator of the meeting, Zheng Yutong, quickly said: "Thank you for your kindness, and today we will formally discuss the plan for the development of the new world. ”

It turned out that Cheng Yutong had reached an agreement with Swire & Co., that is, to spend HK$145 million to buy the old 'Blue Chimney' wharf in his hands, covering an area of 199,000 square feet in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Zheng Yutong does not have the strength to develop independently, because he also has a Kai Tak real estate, which is his main real estate asset.

In the previous life, Kai Tak Real Estate was listed and raised 83 million Hong Kong dollars, while New World Development only raised 50 million Hong Kong dollars; However, later New World developed into the main force, and Kai Tak Real Estate became a vassal.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "You are the general manager, just tell me what plan you have!" ”

Everyone laughed and echoed this view.

Chow Tai Fook Enterprises holds 40% of the shares of New World Development, accounting for the largest shares, and the rest of the shareholders are around 10%; Ho Shanheng served as the chairman of the board of directors, and Lin Zhichao only served as a director in a symbolic sense, and he was purely cheering for his friends.

Therefore, there is no doubt that New World Development is the business of the Cheng family.

And why did Lin Zhichao cheer?

After all, he doesn't like to work with people very much, and he worries about any disputes or something.

In fact, as long as he is a businessman in Shunde, Lin Zhichao will always take care of him, or make an exception to cooperate.

Zheng Yutong immediately said: "That's good! Our first plan is to formally establish New World Development Company and sign a formal contract with Swire & Co. for the sale and purchase of the 'Blue Chimney' terminal, which is a total of 199,000 square feet."

Lin Zhichao asked, "Has it been decided?" ”

Zheng Yutong nodded and said, "It's decided!" ”

Subsequently, the development of the land was discussed.

Zheng Yutong is still in charge: "My idea is that after buying this land, we will not rush to develop it first, but let New World Development develop other real estate projects." When the opportunity arises, we will take the company public and raise funds to develop the project."

Lin Zhichao then said: "This plan is good! That's right, if I make a capital contribution this time, I'll use the land as a shareholder. ”

Zheng Yutong said happily: "This is really good, and it saves us the trouble of buying land!" ”

New World Development raised 150 million yuan in the first batch, and Lin Zhichao plans to take out 15 million yuan worth of land for the project development of this enterprise. His idea is that although he took out 15 million of the land, as long as the cash value was as high as 60 million at the peak in 1973, he would not lose money, and he could make a lot of money.

The other shareholders did not all take out cash, but also offset them with office units and movie theaters. Soon, the assets of a real estate company have been built. Only for the purchase of land in the blue chimney, it is necessary to use the loan model.

In May, New World Development was officially established and started operations.

Back to Cheung Kong Industrial.

The manager of the retail department, Lin Shaodong, directly reported to Lin Zhichao: "Boss, the fifth store of 7-Eleven convenience store opened successfully. Café de Coral's sixth store has also opened."

In the past year, Lin Zhichao has attached great importance to the retail department, spent a lot of energy discussing with colleagues, and contributed many excellent solutions.

This year (1970), the goal of 7-Eleven is to open four, bringing the total number to eight. It is not that Cheung Kong lacks financial strength, but that it should carry out a gradual development according to the level of Hong Kong's economy. If the army presses up, the biggest possibility is that there will be a lack of profits in some stores.

This year, Café de Coral also has four outlets, bringing the total number to nine. The source of funds is settled through loans, which are signed and guaranteed by Cheung Kong Industrial, and the bank will open the water pipe.

Lin Zhichao said: "Is there a competitor? ”

Lin Shaodong shook his head and said: "There are no direct competitors, even if there are imitations, they are more like store stores than convenience stores." The store does not pay attention to decoration, the variety of goods, and shooting, etc., which is not enough to become a competitor. However, there is one important thing to report to you – the opening of Hong Kong's first supermarket, Wellcome, is a retail model that you are very optimistic about. ”

Lin Zhichao was stunned, it turned out that Wellcome Supermarket was opened by the Dairy Company, not Hongkong Land. However, after Hongkong Land acquired the Dairy Company, Wellcome Supermarket naturally became part of Hongkong Land.

"I'm not in a hurry to enter the supermarket, and I still focus on the development of convenience stores, but during this period, you have to pay more attention to the richness of the supply chain and channels. In fact, we must also have our own supermarket brand. ”

He can't wait for the acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa to run its 'PARKnSHOP supermarket', but plans to launch a supermarket plan - Yonghui Supermarket as soon as Cheung Kong Asset Group goes public.

After the acquisition of Hutchison Whampoa in the future, the stores of Parknshop Supermarket can be merged into Yonghui Supermarket, and the largest supermarket group in Hong Kong will inevitably belong to Cheung Kong Asset Group.

Lin Shaodong nodded and said, "Well, we are working hard to increase the talent pool and optimize the supply chain channels."

The boss will spend a lot of time discussing the supply chain, which way to optimize it, and conduct systematic research. So, naturally, he has always attached great importance to it.

"By the way, I asked Momofuku Ando, the chairman of Nissin Corporation in Japan, to visit 7-Eleven convenience stores in Hong Kong this week. At that time, you can introduce it well, we also hold a 49% stake in Nissin, and Nissin intends to join 7-Eleven convenience stores in Japan. ”

"No problem, I'll be ready to meet it."

Subsequently, after Lin Zhichao explained in detail, Lin Shaodong left the office.

Lin Zhichao is interested in the Japanese retail market, but he knows that it is not easy to compete with the Japanese for retail, and it is difficult to make a fool of himself. But he has allies in Japan, and that is Momofuku Ando, a naturalized Japanese.

The 'Nissin Company' that the two have worked together has developed very well over the years, Nissin Ramen is exported to Europe and the United States, and is the No. 1 instant noodle brand in Japan, while the Ajisen Ramen chain model in Japan has developed very successfully.

Because of this, Lin Zhichao plans to insert a foot in the Japanese retail industry in the name of Nissin Company.

In my previous life, 7-Eleven was only joined in Japan at the end of 1973, so I had time to get ahead of the curve. Importantly, Momofuku Ando's experience in retail operations and Nissin's high cash reserves make it a good place to gamble.

At this time, the Japanese retail industry was almost all department stores, so Nissin had a lot to do and take a share of the pie in convenience stores and supermarkets.

In the Yangtze River Industrial Park, with the first 'arcade machine "PONG" produced by Midea Electronic Foundry coming off the assembly line, the scene resounded with warm applause.

Atari head Ronich also came to Hong Kong to visit, because this is the investment strategy of 'Atari Video Games', that is, to tutor Midea Electronics OEM "PONG" arcade machine to save production costs.

In fact, this is Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn jointly promoted, Atari video games need to reduce production costs, and Midea Electronics needs to take the opportunity to enter the 'arcade' field, the two 'hit it off', Atari video games company provides technology and equipment to purchase, and then asks Midea Electronics to OEM.

Originally, the production cost of a "PONG" was 500 US dollars, but now it only costs 350 US dollars (including shipping, taxes, etc.), which is a lot less cost.

At present, the market price of a "PONG" is 1,200 US dollars, and the sales volume is 9,000 units; According to Lin Zhichao's estimates, about 10,000 units will be sold in the next two years; So, it's a matter of mutual benefit.

Of course, the fundamental reason is that Lin Zhichao hopes to use this way to eat the arcade technology first, and at the same time cultivate talents who belong to 'Midea Electronics'.

"Mr. Lin, let's try it out together, how about it?" Onich said happily.

Lin Zhichao is a shareholder of Audrey Group, but he did not understand the group's plan at first, although Hong Kong OEM production saves costs, but the quality is difficult to guarantee.

However, the boss and the president agreed that he could only obey the orders of the president of a branch, after all, the arcade "PONG" was not his idea, but the group's idea.

After knowing that Onich came to Hong Kong for inspection, he found that the manufacturing capacity and management level of Cheung Kong Industrial Group were definitely comparable to the existence of Japanese factories; He also understands why Barbie dolls have always been produced in their entirety in Hong Kong.

In fact, Hasbro also has some parts, which are made in Hong Kong.

"Try it and see if the quality of our OEM production in Hong Kong is the same as that produced in the United States!" Lin Zhichao smiled and moved forward, and the staff hurriedly turned on the power.

Onich immediately stepped forward and said: "It is definitely better than that produced in the United States, your workers abide by the rules and regulations, and can endure hardship and stand hard work, they are definitely excellent workers." ”

This is not sarcasm, but an encouragement. When you can't touch high-end manufacturing, don't dislike low-end manufacturing.

When Fairchild Semiconductor came to Hong Kong to invest in a 'transistor factory', it also recognized that Hong Kong workers are the best workers in the world, especially Hong Kong female workers – cheap and of good quality. In just one year, Fairchild Semiconductor has produced 150 million transistors in Hong Kong, supplying many markets around the world.

Next, he played a game with Onich, and Lin Zhichao won.

"The experience was fantastic!"

"Okay, President Oneqi is satisfied, then we can officially increase the horsepower and OEM orders for Atari!"

"Of course, this time we decided to sign an order contract for 1,000 units, and the follow-up products will be handed over to Midea Electronics Foundry."

"Okay, you and our President Li Zhenlong have signed the contract, and I won't participate in the rest."

"No problem!"

Arcade machines, electronic watches, and walkmans, these three projects have been determined for more than half a year, and they have all entered the substantive research and development stage. Almost a large number of talented people joined the network in Asia, and even Japanese engineers were recruited.

Of course, the core components are not in the list of R&D and production, and more rely on imports. For example, the integrated circuits of electronic watches need to be imported from Europe, America and Japan, but they can be imported from Taiwan Island in the later stage, so the price is cheaper.

Lin Zhichao invited Momofuku Ando to visit Hong Kong, and he and Lin Shaodong accompanied him to inspect several convenience stores, and the result was that Momofuku Ando was very interested in this new type of retail industry, but had some concerns.

Standing outside the door of the 7-Eleven convenience store, Momofuku Ando said, "Mr. Hayashi, we have been working together for many years, and I have always admired your business vision. However, although 7-Eleven is a very good project, I am worried that it will not be able to compete with other retail giants in Japan. As you know, the retail industry in Japan is very competitive. ”

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Convenience stores are an emerging model, which is different from traditional retail, they do not sell clothing and home appliances, etc., but more food, newspapers, daily necessities, etc., so there is no need to worry about direct competition with large Japanese retailers." Importantly, we are the first to seize the market and the first to eat crabs, so you don't need to worry. ”

Momofuku Ando nodded, thought about it, and said, "What you said is very reasonable, I am willing to try, how does Mr. Lin plan to cooperate?" ”

Lin Zhichao is naturally not insatiable, first of all, Momofuku Ando is a management talent, and secondly, Momofuku Ando is Japanese, so it is impossible to occupy less than Lin Zhichao; Generally, if you want to enter the market of other countries, many industries will give priority to cooperation rather than sole proprietorship.

"In the name of Nissin, we won the 7-11 Japan management rights of the American Southern Company, this is cooperation, isn't it?"

"Of course, you're a shareholder in our company!"

The equity of the two in Nissin is only 2% different, and Momofuku Ando is also honest, he has not cheated Lin Zhichao, and the dividends are very transparent.

Subsequently, everyone returned to the company to discuss the details of the cooperation.

On the side of Changjiang Industrial Group, it can send managers to Japan to participate in the preparations, because Lin Zhichao has already calculated today.

These people go to Japan to work for a period of time, and they can also provide better advice and management for 7-Eleven convenience stores in Hong Kong and Macau.

As Lin Zhichao expected, the Hong Kong stock market rose from 158 points to 196 points after a sharp rise in 1~3 months; However, after reaching 196 points on March 13, it began to 'take profits', especially in April and May, affected by the sharp decline in the US stock market due to the US decision to send troops to Cambodia, and the Hong Kong stock market also joined the ranks of the decline.

By late May, the Hang Seng Index had touched 170 points, down more than 10%.

"Boss, Feng Sheng is here!"

"Well, Feng Sheng, come on, please take a seat!"

"Lin Sheng"

Zhou Fuzhao took Feng Jingxi to Lin Zhichao's office, and then the three of them sat on the sofa and chatted.

Lin Zhichao and Feng Jingxi have known each other for a long time, and he personally participated in the opening of Sun Hung Kai when it was opened. Last year, Fung King Hei and Lee Kar-shing joined the Hong Kong Real Estate Association, and Lin Zhichao also invited the two to have dinner together and with Blimp Tai.

Don't look at Lin Zhichao often goes abroad to work all year round, but the interpersonal relationships in Hong Kong are very large, of course, Lin Zhichao generally likes to make friends with 'promising' people.

Because of this, some people say that Lin Zhichao likes to carry others.

"Lin Sheng, you are investing heavily in the stock market, and the biggest customer of our brokerage company is none other than you!" Feng Jingxi said with a smile.

Lin Zhichao put down the teacup and said with a smile: "The biggest customer, isn't it yourself!" ”

Feng Jingxi said modestly: "I don't dare to compare with you, but I do focus on securities now." ”

He has already established Sun Hung Kai Securities last year to concentrate on stock speculation, while Sun Hung Kai Properties has actually existed in name only, and the separation has become a foregone conclusion. The three brothers also broke up peacefully, without any conflicts, and in his previous life, Lee Shau Kee also served as the vice chairman of Sun Hung Kai Properties for more than 40 years, until his retirement in the 21st century.

Today, Sun Hung Kai Properties is originally a real estate planning agency with more than 40 employees; Each of its properties may be a partnership project.

However, in recent years, Sun Hung Kai has indeed made a lot of money, and has built a large number of industrial plants and residential buildings. There are almost 50 factory buildings in Hong Kong a year, with a floor area of about 6 million square feet, because there are so many factories in Hong Kong and the demand is very large.

Lin Zhichao said: "Manager Zhou told you, the securities we invest in are long-term investments, just like investing in companies, so I'm afraid you won't get much commission." ”

Feng Jingxi immediately said: "Mr. Lin said with a smile, this is what we should do well." Besides, you trust us Sun Hung Kai Securities, and I thank you for being too late. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "I am very optimistic about your achievements in the financial field, the securities are handed over to you to operate, and the property is very assured." But there is one thing you need to pay attention to, confidentiality is very important. After all, you know, my identity, and the amount of money that I have, has a big impact on the market. ”

Feng Jingxi nodded and said, "Don't worry about this, we will definitely do a good job." ”

After chatting for a while, the three of them went to lunch together.

This time I found Feng Jingxi to cooperate, just to share the huge stock speculation funds.

Lin Zhichao found out that even if he was doing real estate in Hong Kong, it was better to make money by speculating in Hong Kong stocks.

In this wave of bull market, if he earns 800 million Hong Kong dollars, the real estate business of Cheung Kong Industrial Group does not have this amount.

Of course, the nature is completely different, real estate can always make money, while stocks need to be laid out for many years. Take this wave of securities, he began to lay out in 1967 and could not harvest until early 1973; In the stock market in 1973~1974, he couldn't earn a penny, but in the real estate of these two years, it will still not be affected much.

What's more, money naturally has to be earned, and big money and small money are earned together. (End of chapter)