The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Hu Zhaoxu came to Lin Zhichao's office to report a piece of news.

"Boss, Taikoo \u0026 Co. Ltd. intends to sell a piece of land on King's Road in Taikoo Valley, Quarry Bay. It covers an area of ​​260,000 square feet and can be used to build private housing estates. The estimated floor area is about 1.6 million square feet."

After Lin Zhichao heard this, he started thinking.

Quarry Bay is the home base of Taikoo \u0026 Co., Ltd. Now Taikoo \u0026 Co. is selling a large amount of other land in order to develop the Taikoo Maison, which is indeed cheaper for those who buy it.

"This piece of land is worth about 40 million Hong Kong dollars. It is indeed a good investment to build a private housing estate. In this way, you first contact Taikoo \u0026 Co., and I will discuss it with Oriental Group and we will jointly develop this project."

"Okay, then I'll bring my lawyer to communicate with Taikoo \u0026 Co."

Hu Zhaoxu was not surprised that his boss took this project into partnership with his father-in-law’s Oriental Group. Recently, the boss likes to partner with everyone on many projects, such as the Saixi Lake project with CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) and the other three major real estate developers. Prepare to jointly bid for the Shatin reclamation project.

In Hu Zhaoxu's view, it's not that Changshi Group has no money or strength, but that the boss's style is admirable and he is a true 'Confucian businessman' in the business world.

After Hu Zhaoxu left, Lin Zhichao picked up the phone and made an appointment with his father-in-law for another afternoon tea.

He had just calculated that the Taikoo Valley Site 1 could build a village of 12 residential buildings, with a total of more than 2,800 small and medium-sized private housing estates; each residence is 450 to 700 square feet, and is built for those customers who only need it. .

Although this kind of small apartment is considered "small" and "lower-grade", it is actually very profitable. Take Lee Shau-kee's style as an example. He likes to miniaturize his residences and shops. He even developed a "mosquito shop" with only a few dozen square feet.

Although each residence and shop is smaller, developers make more money (with the same land area ratio). This is how many real estate developers make money.

Lin Zhichao is very familiar with the 'way to fortune' of many real estate tycoons in Hong Kong. Of course, he would not follow his instructions exactly. After all, the size of his company was completely unnecessary.

Lin Zhichao's current idea is to maintain the number one position in the development of real estate (residential) in Hong Kong, but there is no need to distance himself from Sun Hung Kai and Henderson, even if it is a tripartite confrontation; in Hong Kong's commercial real estate (rent collection), he will strengthen investment. The first is that it can consume funds, and the second is long-term consideration.

afternoon.

Lin Zhichao and his father-in-law sat in the tea room, chatting about business cooperation.

Although Oriental Real Estate has annual profits of more than 20 million Hong Kong dollars, rents account for more than 40% of the total. It owns valuable commercial and industrial buildings. However, its strength in the residential field is not outstanding, and most of its developments are in the "mid- to low-end" category. Mainly small properties'.

After all, Tang Zhongyuan entered the real estate industry late and is not particularly experienced. He does not have the strength and courage to independently develop large-scale projects or luxury housing projects. This is why Tang Zhongyuan must ask Lin Zhichao to join Hong Kong Industrial and jointly participate in the development of Discovery Bay.

Of course, Lin Zhichao and Tang Zhongyuan are also 'fathers and friends', not father and son, but father and son. When Oriental Group was listed, Tang Zhongyuan also donated 5% of the shares to Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying respectively. Lin Zhichao originally refused, but his father-in-law showed his love for his daughter, so he reluctantly accepted the shares. In fact, Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying happily accepted the offer despite the fact that the Lin family liked it.

"Father-in-law, Taikoo \u0026 Co., Ltd. intends to sell the No. 1 Taikoo Shan site. It just so happens that our two families are cooperating together. What do you think?"

Tang Zhongyuan immediately said happily: "Of course! We at Oriental Real Estate are lacking experience in developing large-scale projects, so you sent us projects. This is really a good thing."

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "In this case, you will take the lead in this project, and we, Changshi, will participate."

Tang Zhongyuan understood that his son-in-law was cultivating experience in developing large-scale housing estates for the Oriental Group, and he was in a good mood. Marrying his two daughters to Lin Zhichao caused a lot of criticism, especially the Tang family's heritage and influence.

But as time goes by, Lin Zhichao's status in the Chinese community increases day by day, and what was once a "joke" has become a "good talk". As early as the mid-1950s, no one criticized such things behind their backs.

Moreover, Lin Zhichao's only legal wives were Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying, and everyone admired Tang Zhongyuan's decision. The old father-in-law is generous, and the virtuous son-in-law is also generous. He supported his father-in-law's wealth in a "three-step jump", which became a good talk for a while.

"Yeah, no problem!"

Next, the two talked about a 'confidential' matter.

Tang Zhongyuan asked: "Zhichao, the textile and garment industry will be declining, especially now that the economies of South Korea and Taiwan are rising, and their exports of textiles, plastics and other industries have surpassed Hong Kong. I also feel that the textile and garment industry is in decline, so I am interested in real estate The industry is relatively enthusiastic, and it can be regarded as diversified development. However, as the eldest son, Xianqian will be in charge of textiles and garments, will he suffer a disadvantage? Do you think there will be conflicts between the two brothers in the future? "

Lin Zhichao said: "It is true that textiles and garments are in the sunset, and garments can still last for decades, but textiles have indeed begun to rise in Southeast Asia, South Korea and other places. As for the two brothers Xianqian and Youqian, my father-in-law can rest assured that they are united as brothers. There will be things you worry about. Moreover, you are in such good health that you were able to create a lot of fixed assets for the Oriental Group in the 1930s. Keeping the family business for your children is the biggest desire of entrepreneurs of our generation."

When it comes to entrepreneurship, the two are certainly of the same generation, both starting their own businesses in the 1940s.

Tang Zhongyuan nodded and said: "Well, I am unfounded. What's more, after a hundred years, I will still have you, my brother-in-law, who can control these two brothers!"

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "When the time comes, my nephews will be able to stand alone, so my father-in-law doesn't need to worry."

The Tang brothers did not separate their families and jointly controlled the Eastern Group. Tang Zhongyuan's textile industry in Africa and the purchase of real estate assets overseas have been included in the family fund and will not be separated.

Generally speaking, rich people are very smart when it comes to family inheritance.

Mid-August.

A superyacht is like a mobile palace parked on the sea of ​​Hong Kong.

On the large deck, Lin Qingxia was posing with POSS, with the happiness of love on her face, and was photographed by the great photographer Mr. Lin Zhichao.

Lin Zhichao was amazed while taking pictures at this time.

Today's Lin Qingxia can simply be described as "beautiful to the country". Dressed in a pink dress, she looks like a fairy on earth. Her three-dimensional facial features are full of recognition. When combined together, she is the most impeccable. The beautiful face, the snow-white and delicate skin formed a sharp contrast in the sun, and the area developed by Lin Zhichao was already full of fruit. The pair of jade legs under the skirt were straight and white, without a single flaw.

When she was young, Lin Qingxia was indeed so beautiful that people were speechless.

"What are you looking at, idiot? Why don't you take a photo for me!" Lin Qingxia boldly challenged.

When Lin Zhichao heard this, he did not immediately punish the naughty girl, but was ready to press the shutter and take a photo. He is a senior photographer who has been documenting every aspect of Hong Kong since the early 1950s. He has photos and videos that he regularly copies and saves.

Giving girls license plates is naturally his specialty.

At the moment when Lin Zhichao pressed the shutter, Lin Qingxia suddenly pulled down the collar of her skirt with both hands.

"Qingxia, what are you doing?" Lin Zhichao shouted in surprise.

Lin Qingxia suddenly chuckled, as if her trick had achieved her goal - shocking the man.

"No? It's not like I'm not wearing anything underneath!" She came to Lin Zhichao and said naughtily.

Lin Zhichao put an arm around her, then put the camera on the table, and the two of them lay down on the chairs. Although this is a deck, it is covered on top, making it one of the best areas for a vacation.

"Brother Chao, I no longer plan to take on the role of Taiwan Island, and now I have no filming plans!" Lin Qingxia lay in the man's arms and said in the gentlest tone.

Although the two were in a relationship in the past two years, Lin Qingxia filmed nearly ten movies in Taiwan in order to cover it up, but she was determined not to shoot kissing scenes. With Jiahe Film as a backer and the care of Li Hanxiang, Song Cunshou and others, it will naturally be a matter of course. I only filmed two films in Hong Kong, both of which were relatively good, but the films I filmed in Taiwan won more awards.

"Well, I won't let you down." Lin Zhichao said seriously.

"Isn't there any more?" Lin Qingxia came close to Lin Zhichao's mouth, seeming to express something.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said, "Then what do you want? Do you want me to spend more time with you?"

"I hate it, you are obviously teasing me on purpose!"

Lin Qingxia was like a little girl, arching and arching in Lin Zhichao's arms.

"Let go, I'm so embarrassed if your female bodyguard sees me!"

"You're talking about female bodyguards, so what are you afraid of? Go put on your swimsuit later and let's have a good chat."

After tuning the piano, Lin Qingxia did not give up and asked: "You haven't answered the question I just asked! I am a little girl and I went to Hong Kong to be your lover. You have to express your gratitude, right?"

Lin Zhichao said: "Don't worry, the sky won't fall. Even if it does, I will hold you up."

Lin Qingxia said happily: "That's pretty much it! Although it's very general, I believe you!"

At this time, Lin Qingxia already owned an investment company in Hong Kong - Dongqing Investment. She invested in many properties in Hong Kong and even spent 2.5 million Hong Kong dollars to buy a building. Of course, this building was a small building and was used for speculation. This investment company is of course controlled by Lin Zhichao personally, but now that Lin Qingxia is free, she can personally participate in the affairs.

Lin Zhichao and two senior executives, Huang Changhong and Hu Zhaoxu, came to the site of the "former tobacco company site" in Wan Chai to inspect the location.

"Boss, the foreigners are selling this land of more than 80,000 square feet, and the transaction must be in cash. Apart from our Cheung Kong Group, there is probably no real estate company in Hong Kong that can generate this cash flow alone." Hu Zhaoxu said confidently said.

Huang Changhong also said: "This land can be used to build commercial buildings and residential buildings. The price is probably more than 80 million Hong Kong dollars. It requires cash transactions and does not pay in installments. It really stumps many real estate developers."

Lin Zhichao looked at the site, and he couldn't help but think of one thing. In the previous life, the site here was built into the Elizabeth Building and the Locke Building. Among them, the Elizabeth Building is an ABC residential building located on a large commercial base. In fact, It is equivalent to three buildings; while the Locke Building is a commercial office building.

In the previous life, the developers were four families, and Cheung Kong Group monopolized 35% of the profits. Therefore, Hu Zhaoxu and Huang Changhong were right. Lee Shau Kee, Guo Desheng, and Zheng Yutong should not have the strength to win alone at this time. It is possible to form a partnership.

It can't be said that he doesn't have the strength to win it alone. After all, if Sun Hung Kai makes a profit of 70 million a year, he can still win it with grit. However, in this way, it is definitely taking the risk on concentrated projects, which is not the best plan.

So in this era, these real estate developers like to work on projects together. It doesn’t matter if one of ten projects suffers a loss.

Lin Zhichao still remembers that in the 1980s, a strange case occurred in the Elizabeth Building - two young men of a Singaporean jeweler were tied together and killed in a 96-style style, and sealed in the sink with cement. , in the end the murderer was not found out, and it became an unsolved case. Moreover, the two deceased people also had four keys in their mouths, which was quite mysterious.

"We can invite Guo Desheng, Li Shauji, and Zheng Yutong to work on this project. We can hold 40% of the shares. Although we have sufficient funds, there is no need to monopolize this project." Lin Zhichao said.

He plans to sell this project mainly to collect funds as soon as possible. After all, the commercial value is not particularly high, and there is no need for him to live alone.

Huang Changhong and Hu Zhaoxu didn't say much. They believed that the boss's approach was not wrong. More cooperation would have been beneficial to the company's capital flow.

Next, Lin Zhichao said: "I plan to acquire Macao Hotels, which is Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels in Indonesia."

Of course, it was a friendly acquisition. After all, most of the shares of Meigao Company were in the hands of two American businessmen.

Huang Changhong said happily: "The boss is interested in the land of Hilton Hotel?"

Hu Zhaoxu's eyes also lit up.

If the bosses are interested in Hilton Hotels and the loss-making Hyatt Hotel Bali, they think it is impossible. After all, the boss already owns the Shangri-La Hotel, so why chase an inferior hotel?

The Hilton Hotel is located at 2 Queen's Road, and the HSBC Bank at 1 Queen's Road is in the same area. In addition, the Yangtze River Industrial Group currently does not have a headquarters building, so both of them guessed this.

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Not bad! But this matter needs to be planned slowly. I asked Shangri-La Hotel to increase marketing so that the hotel business will have a huge impact on Hilton Hotel. Coupled with the impact of the oil crisis, I believe that the two of us and Gao will Shareholders are already willing to sell."

Huang Changhong nodded and said: "There is no rush! It's just that if we want to demolish the Hilton Hotel building in the future, I'm afraid we will have to pay a huge hotel management liquidated damages to the Hilton Hotel."

Lin Zhichao said: "It doesn't matter, and I have no plans to consider building a headquarters building in the 1970s, let's save it for the 1980s!"

"OK"

Next year, we will acquire Meigao Company and Qingzhou Yingni, but these will definitely be good-faith acquisitions.

Meigao Company must have purchased shares from two shareholders, and Qingzhou Yingni is a publicly listed company with no real family holdings and dispersed shares, so it can also be acquired in good faith.

A week later.

Cheung Kong, Sun Hung Kai, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, and Henderson Land announced their cooperation in developing the former site of ‘British American Corporation’.

This signal was ‘over-interpreted’ by some media, believing that the Hong Kong real estate industry would become the ‘Four Major Families’ model rather than the ‘Five Real Estate Tigers’. The real estate companies controlled by these four major families will become the four largest real estate companies in Hong Kong, and their strength is growing rapidly.

Of course, this is indeed an over-interpretation by the media. Everyone is cooperating. Lin Zhichao is not limited to cooperating with the other three companies. He also cooperates with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Eastern Group, etc.

Therefore, in Lin Zhichao's heart, he would not recognize the "four major families". The other three major families were completely incomparable to him. (End of chapter)