It's already July when I returned to Hong Kong.

At the beginning of the year, the reconstruction project of the Chinese People's Bank Building began, and Lin Zhichao and Shen Bi attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

At the beginning of this year, the old building was sold to a joint company of Cheung Kong Group and HSBC for 200 million yuan, and then the two parties jointly rebuilt the commercial complex of the Bank of China as quickly as possible.

The new 240,000-square-foot, 22-story building features a stainless steel façade and glass that changes color with the weather. Indoor temperature, humidity, lighting, and fire prevention facilities are all controlled by computers. The interior decoration will be luxurious and elegant, integrating ethnic style and modern atmosphere. The entire project cost HK$200 million, and all the office and commercial spaces were leased out, leaving only part of the area of HSBC as a temporary headquarters.

Xinhua People's Bank Building is expected to start in 24 months, and the construction speed is very fast, and it is expected to be capped in 12~16 months. The reason why it is so fast is because the HSBC Building will be demolished and rebuilt in the early eighties, and the Chinese Bank Building will serve as the temporary headquarters of HSBC.

Lin Zhichao's sale of half of the ownership of the Xinhua People's Bank Building to HSBC was entirely for commercial considerations. First of all, by selling the old site of the China Hung Building, Cheung Kong Group made a net profit of about 50 million Hong Kong dollars; Secondly, the construction cost of rebuilding the China Bank Building was as high as 200 million Hong Kong dollars, and the new company was completed by means of loans, without the need for Cheung Kong Group to contribute a penny.

Lin Zhichao calculated that after the completion of the China Bank Building, the rent of Grade A office buildings in Central would be as high as about HK$15 per square foot, and by 1981 it would be as high as HK$20 per square foot. The annual rental income is about 50 million Hong Kong dollars (the rent of the shop is more expensive), which is fully enough to repay the construction cost and interest.

At the groundbreaking ceremony.

Lin Zhichao and Shen Bi had a very happy conversation, which also attracted the attention of many media people. Hong Kong people know that the Global Group and HSBC are mutual achievements, HSBC supported the Global Group in the early years, and later the Global Group gave back to HSBC, and Lin Zhichao and Sundash also had a relationship.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Shen Bi said, "Poly Construction is a first-class construction company in Hong Kong, which has undertaken the construction of first-class buildings such as Harbour Centre and Shangri-La Hotel. ”

Although the Chinese Building is only 240,000 square feet and 22 storeys high, it costs a whopping HK$200 million. You must know that the construction cost of the 52nd floor of Victoria Harbour Centre is only more than 150 million Hong Kong dollars.

Of course, the reason for this is not only the increase in luxury and HSBC's deep pockets, but also an important reason is the soaring prices. Harbour Centre and Shangri-La Hotel were built in the early 70s, and over the years, Hong Kong's labor and material costs have increased by more than 50%.

Lin Zhichao said confidently: "Poly Construction is not only a first-class construction company in Hong Kong, but also has a place in the world, we have undertaken large-scale projects in Singapore, Malaysia and other places, including Raffles City in Singapore. If the HSBC building is rebuilt in the future, we also hope to participate in the bidding! ”

Shen Bi smiled and said, "Welcome, welcome!" ”

Lin Zhichao knew that although Shen Bi said so, Poly Construction would still have a disadvantage if it participated in the bidding. The British are arrogant and will not fully trust Chinese construction companies, unless Poly Construction co-opts well-known European construction companies and then partners in the bidding. This is acceptable to Lin Zhichao, after all, this is what the owner needs.

Back to Cheung Kong Industrial Group, Lin Zhichao asked Huang Changhong to bring the official land information taken in the first half of this year.

"Boss, in the first half of this year, the Hong Kong government auctioned a total of 15 plots of land, totaling 228,000 square feet, and the total auction price was 160 million Hong Kong dollars. We have won a total of three plots of land for a total price of HK$38 million. There has been no auction for the East Tsim Sha Tsui Reclamation site." Huang Changhong reported seriously.

At present, Lin Zhichao didn't even bother to participate in the auction in person, handed it over to Huang Changhong, the deputy, and took Zhou Huai'an, a young general.

Looking at the three pieces of land information that were photographed, Lin Zhichao quickly knew what to expect.

The Hong Kong government is not stupid, and when it comes to the real estate cycle, it is not lost to shrewd real estate developers. Therefore, they always auction land when the real estate is strong, and the more prosperous it is, the higher the quantity and quality of the land they take.

Assuming an extrapolation, if the Hong Kong government sells 400 million Hong Kong dollars of land this year, then it may reach 1 billion Hong Kong dollars next year (1977) and 3 billion Hong Kong dollars the year after (1978). If the property plummets, the Hong Kong government will stop auctioning land and wait for the property to pick up.

Lin Zhichao said: "Maintaining this strength and continuing to insist on acquiring land at the official land auction will be an opportunity in the past two or three years." ”

Huang Changhong nodded and said: "Well, since the second half of 1974, we have bought a lot of properties, and now it has appreciated a lot. ”

The real estate companies that can buy the bottom in 1974~1976 can become influential real estate companies after this round of development. Looking at the right cycle, the real estate company can go to a higher level; If you look at the right two cycles, real estate companies can be among the top ten real estate companies; If you look at the three or four cycles, that is the level of Hong Kong's 'four major families'.

There are thousands of real estate companies in Hong Kong, why are there only a few in the end, if you talk about real estate expertise, who doesn't have it? But in the end, you have to look at the eyes, and if you look at the situation wrong, you will have to fall behind.

Lin Zhichao came to Jiulongtang and came to Zhang Bingqian's house with a familiar way.

Zhang Bingqian is also a familiar hospitality, so she asked Guan Jiahui's sister and brother to talk to Lin Zhichao, while she was busy with dinner.

In the past two years, everyone has formed a tacit understanding, Lin Zhichao took the initiative to visit Zhang Bingqian's mother and son, Zhang Bingqian gradually understood some things, Lin Zhichao abides by the demeanor of a gentleman, and Zhang Bingqian also needs someone to help her live.

At the same time, after the party with Guan Shan two years ago, Lin Zhichao no longer contacted him, but only told Golden Harvest Film to take care of Guan Shan if there was a suitable role, but he must not show favoritism.

"Lin Sheng, can you give me some work to do?" Guan Jiahui sat next to Lin Zhichao and said with wide eyes.

Lin Zhichao looked at her, and immediately felt that it was really a porcelain doll in the world, and it was already incredibly beautiful. To tell the truth, in Lin Zhichao's heart, Lin Qingxia, Guan Jiahui, and Li Jiaxin are all first-class beauties in the world.

"Of course not, I won't let you enter the entertainment industry!"

Guan Jiahui's face flushed, and then he muttered: "If you don't let me in, I can find my old bean in the future, his status in the entertainment industry can always take care of me." ”

Lin Zhichao smiled: "Why do you have to enter the entertainment industry? ”

Guan Jiahui said: "Of course it's to make money! My biggest dream is to be rich, and then I won't have all my worries. ”

'Poof' Lin Zhichao couldn't help laughing, he felt that this girl was really cute.

Of course, he doesn't think that Guan Jiahui's thinking is problematic, after all, Lin Zhichao is already rich, why don't he like 'girls who like money';

"What are you laughing at! Yes, of course you can laugh, because you are rich and you don't bother with life, and you don't have to worry about running out of money to spend. Because you are so rich, you don't understand our thoughts. Guan Jiahui said angrily.

From this point of view, after many contacts, she has become familiar with Lin Zhichao.

Lin Zhichao said: "Okay, your family is much better than many ordinary families outside. They don't have such a spacious house, and the girls in the family can't dress up as pretty as you, so be calm, and I'll help your family after all. ”

After Guan Jiahui listened, she said honestly: "Thank you!" ”

She didn't know why Lin Zhichao helped them, but she had a good impression of Lin Zhichao, a man who looked like a big brother, always helped them at critical moments, and would communicate with her seriously.

After a while, Zhang Bingqian served dinner, and the four of them enjoyed it.

Lin Zhichao naturally did not suspect that others would harm him, except for occasionally giving Zhang Bingqian a sum of money to ensure the living needs of the three of them, there was nothing else to overstep.

"Lin Sheng, you and Guan Shan aren't very familiar, right?" Zhang Bingqian said suddenly.

Lin Zhichao was stunned for a moment, then nodded, and said: "Actually, I wanted to make him a friend at first, but when I visited you for the first time, I felt that he was not suitable to be a friend, and he was too irresponsible to you." On the contrary, I began to get acquainted with you. ”

The words were seamless, but Lin Zhichao did it.

Next, Zhang Bingqian said: "Lin Sheng, I want to divorce Guan Shan and immigrate to the United States with Shihua, can you help me!" ”

Guan Jiahui was dumbfounded, and then she was so anxious that tears fell from her eyes, and she said, "Mom, how can you ignore me?" ”

Zhang Bingqian immediately comforted her daughter and said: "Jiahui, you want to live in Hong Kong, after all, you are already so old." Besides, I hope Mr. Lin can take care of you! ”

Guan Jiahui looked at Lin Zhichao and then at Zhang Bingqian, I don't know what this means!

Lin Zhichao said: "There is no room for relaxation in your relationship with Guan Shan? ”

Zhang Bingqian nodded and said: "He is not a responsible man, leave our mother and son alone, I am fed up with this kind of life, every day is a torment, I am afraid that one day I will be like Lin Dai." ”

This matter is no longer something that Lin Zhichao can get involved in. He originally wanted Zhang Bingqian and Guan Shan to reconcile, after all, it would not affect his future work.

"I won't care about these things, but if you live abroad, I can give you a sum of money so that you can live a normal life abroad. As for Jiahui, I will visit her regularly to make sure she is not bullied. ”

When Zhang Bingqian heard this, she immediately motioned for her sister and brother to go to the room to avoid it, and Guan Jiahui reluctantly took her younger brother back to the room.

After that, she said, "Does Lin Sheng like Jiahui? ”

Lin Zhichao almost didn't collapse, and then said: "Miss Zhang, don't talk about this kind of thing first, although I am romantic, I will never do things that are difficult for a strong man, and I will tell you the answer in a few years." However, I will definitely take care of Jiahui and will also give you some help. ”

Zhang Bingqian said with a smile: "To be honest, after getting along for so long, I must believe in your character, otherwise I don't worry about entrusting Jiahui to you to take care of it." ”

In fact, it was really Lin Zhichao's character and bearing that moved her, otherwise she would not agree to push her daughter into the fire pit at all. If it were another rich man, she would never agree to contact it, he was sure of that.

Lin Zhichao said: "Hmm"

After a while, Zhang Bingqian took the bowl to wash, and asked Guan Jiahui to talk to Lin Zhichao.

"In the future, if you have anything, come to me, I will be your biggest support!"

Guan Jiahui blushed, she seemed to know something, and whispered: "Hmm"

Lin Zhichao also said: "If you can be admitted to university, I don't mind giving you a company!" ”

Guan Jiahui's eyes widened, and then she said pessimistically: "There is no hope! ”

Lin Zhichao smiled: "Then when I didn't say it!" ”

"How can you not say it, in case a miracle happens!"

"Well, that's always valid."

After a brief chat, Lin Zhichao got up to say goodbye, leaving Guan Jiahui with a reluctant look.

That night, Zhang Bingqian enlightened Guan Jiahui a lot, but she didn't mention Lin Zhichao's thoughts, she believed that Lin Zhichao's character and everything would respect her daughter. Some people are like this, and it is very reassuring at a glance.

On this day, Lin Zhichao decided to inspect some sites despite the summer heat.

In the 50s and early 60s, Lin Zhichao has always insisted on inspecting the site, and each property has been inspected two or three times; As his business grew larger and his management system matured, he reduced his patrols to the site, and some small sites were never even built until they were built.

Today, Lin Zhichao inspected the site, and only inspected a few large sites. I wanted to start with the Sha Tin reclamation project, but when I thought about it, this site belonged to Lee Shau Kee and was not a project of Cheung Kong Group at all, although it accounted for 25% of the shares.

A total of 6 million square feet of land was reclaimed for the Sha Tin reclamation project, of which 4.3 million square feet were handed over to the Hong Kong government and the remaining 1.7 million square feet were owned by four real estate companies. Tens of thousands of residential units can be built on this 1.7 million square foot site, which will be sold in phases in the 80s.

For the Sha Tin project, Lin Zhichao did not participate at all, only shared the profits. Even if it is a shopping mall, it will be disposed of by the partners, and he will not buy it to collect rent.

Lin Zhichao's first stop came to the Saixi Lake site.

"Boss, at the end of the year, these ten 24-story high-end residential buildings can be sold in installments! At that time, we plan to buy a building for users, and each unit can be equipped with a parking space." Accompanying Lin Zhichao was Zhou Huai'an, an executive of Cheung Kong Group, who was in the limelight, and he introduced to Lin Zhichao at this time.

Lin Zhichao took a helmet, walked to the turf, and said with a smile: "Sending parking spaces can be a bloody investment, but the site of Saixi Lake is big enough, but it is a good publicity." ”

Zhou Huai'an, who is the mastermind of this project, said: "Well, we think the same way. In addition to parking spaces, Saixi Lake is located in a famous scenic area, and we also have a large-scale event venue integrating entertainment, sports and leisure, which is full of temptation. ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "According to the previous real estate cycle, the real estate will appreciate by more than 30% in a year, and this site seems to be profitable." ”

The entire Saisai Lake has a total floor area of 1.3 million square feet, and it is estimated that the sales per square foot can reach 300 Hong Kong dollars per square foot, which is 390 million Hong Kong dollars in sales. The land price is 85 million Hong Kong dollars, the construction cost is about 150 million Hong Kong dollars, and the total cost is about 250 million.

In this way, Cheung Kong Group and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce each have a 50% interest, and each can get a profit of more than 70 million.

Very profitable project!

After all, Sun Hung Kai's annual profit is only 7000~90 million Hong Kong dollars. Of course, the Saixi Lake site is expected to be sold in two years.

Next, Lin Zhichao inspected the former site of British American Tobacco - Elizabeth Building and Locke Building. The Elizabeth Building is a five-storey commercial building with three residential towers of ABC on top; Locke Building is a 30-storey office building.

The project is 35% owned by Cheung Kong Group, and the other 65% is shared by Sun Hung Kai, Henderson Development and New World Development. The entire project is for sale, including the office building of Locke Building.

At this time, Lin Zhichao is not very optimistic about ordinary commercial buildings, not to mention that he can't do rent collection treatment, so there will be a problem of capital turnover. Rental properties generally take seven or eight years to return on their costs, while real estate development only takes two or three years to recover all of their costs, and they are very profitable.

Elizabeth Building and Locke Building are expected to make a profit of more than 100 million Hong Kong dollars, and Cheung Kong Group can share a profit of 3500~40 million Hong Kong dollars.

In the end, Lin Zhichao came to the No. 1 site in Taikoo Valley, and his father-in-law Tang Zhongyuan also made an appointment with him.

"Father-in-law, I've been waiting for a long time!"

"I've just arrived, and besides, I often come to inspect this 'Oriental New Estate' site to accumulate more experience!"

Just by listening to the name, you know that this site is dominated by Oriental Real Estate and tutored by Cheung Kong Group. On this site of more than 200,000 square feet, a total of 12 'diamond-shaped' residential towers of 28~32 floors will be built, with a total of 2,800 small and medium-sized units (480~750 square feet).

The 12 buildings are arranged neatly, five on the east and west, two on the south, and the gate on the north; The twelve towers are enclosed in a square, with public facilities in the middle, including children's playgrounds, tennis courts, gardens, etc.

The density of the whole community is still very good.

"Father-in-law, when do you plan to sell this real estate?"

Tang Zhongyuan said: "How about pre-sale this year? ”

Lin Zhichao did not object, but said: "In the next five years, the increase in housing prices may not be less than three times, which is my experience over the years, based on the real estate cycle." ”

Tang Zhongyuan immediately said: "Then it will be pre-sold next year, and it will be sold in more than 3 years." ”

Of course he believes in his son-in-law, he is not stupid, and he is not stubborn, if his son-in-law is almost thirty years, he really hasn't found that his son-in-law has misseen the situation.

At present, the price in this area can only be sold at 260 Hong Kong dollars per square foot, and if it can be tripled, it can rise to a little more than 800 Hong Kong dollars per square foot.

Considering the rotation and risk of goods, there is no problem at all in selling in four years, so that the average sales unit price can reach 500 Hong Kong dollars per square foot. The total is 1.6 million square feet, and the price can reach 800 million Hong Kong dollars.

The purchase of this land only cost 50 million Hong Kong dollars, which is very cheap, and the total profit can reach about 500 million Hong Kong dollars.

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "This is more reasonable, after all, we are not very bad money!" ”

The site of Saixi Lake, Lin Zhichao has been sold out in more than a year, and the preparation cycle is not too long, after all, the partner is the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. As for the Oriental New Estate site, the partner is his father-in-law, so he can consider a longer cycle and more profits.

Next, Tang Zhongyuan said: "Zhichao, Oriental Real Estate has formed a financial company and intends to provide mortgage services for this project. ”

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "No problem, I support you very much in doing this!" ”

At this time, the bank interest rate is lower, and the local production capacity earns more profits, which is a good thing for Tang Zhongyuan to do so. This project was originally designed for Oriental Property to learn from the experience of 'large private housing estates' and better develop the Discovery Bay project in the future.

Tang Zhongyuan said with a smile: "With this project as an opportunity, we at Oriental Real Estate can finally become a real large-scale real estate company in Hong Kong, and the Discovery Bay project is more certain." ”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "I think so too!" ”

The Discovery Bay project has already started the infrastructure part, and the two companies' cooperative company, Hong Kong Corporation, will invest 600 million Hong Kong dollars in the infrastructure project of Discovery Bay in the future, with an initial cash of 50 million, and then rely on banks to support the project.

Soon, the golf club and marina in Discovery Bay will be completed, and Hong Kong will have another high-end leisure place.

After Lin Zhichao finished his inspection that day, he couldn't help but think about some questions.

In the future, Cheung Kong Group will do more big projects, which can not only make more money, but also improve the influence and reputation of the enterprise.

(End of chapter)