The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

It’s Spring Again (1979).

Major companies in Hong Kong have successively announced their results and distributed dividends, and the stock market has begun to rise again.

Real estate is even hotter, as the population has exceeded 5 million, reaching 5.018 million, and newborns in the 1950s have reached the age of marriage.

Therefore, residential transactions are active, and the average price of residential properties in Hong Kong and Kowloon has reached HK$600 per square foot;

Rents for Grade A office buildings in the Central District have also risen, reaching HK$16 to 18 per square foot per month;

Residential land in urban areas of Hong Kong and Kowloon is generally around HK$800 to HK$1,000 per square foot. In special circumstances, it can reach more than HK$1,000 per square foot, such as luxury land and large housing estates;

Commercial land in Central can cost HKD 15,000 per square foot, and commercial land in Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui and East Tsim Sha Tsui can cost more than HKD 10,000 per square foot.

Major real estate companies are naturally making a lot of money; capital from all walks of life, including capital from the United States, Australia, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan, has come to invest in Hong Kong, further driving up Hong Kong property prices.

In the conference room of Changshi Group.

The heads of the Cheung Kong Group, Wheelock Group, and Hopewell Properties and their senior executives are negotiating on the ‘Tin Shui Wai New Town’. Last year, three companies reached an agreement with the Hong Kong government to lead the development of 52 million square feet of land in the "Tin Shui Wai New Town".

Of course, for such a large project, first of all, the plan must satisfy the Hong Kong government before it can proceed, and secondly, the financial strength of the three companies must allow it; therefore, the cycle is so long that it cannot be completed in more than ten years.

It has been half a year since the three parties won this project, but there has been no progress. This is because the Hong Kong government and investors are worried about the issue of the "New Territories lease".

Tin Shui Wai is located in the New Territories, and the lease term in the New Territories is 99 years. It is already 1979, and it will expire in 1997. As for Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, it is not a matter of lease, but an issue of sovereignty, which was directly ceded by the Qing government. Of course, whether it was ceded by the Qing government or leased by the Qing government, it is a fact that Hong Kong is Chinese territory, so it must be taken back in 1997.

But the problem now is that many Hong Kong businessmen believe that Hong Kong Island and Kowloon may still have opportunities for British negotiation; only the New Territories are a certainty, and they will have to return them when the lease expires.

Therefore, land in the New Territories is now cheap, while land in Hong Kong and Kowloon is much more expensive.

Madden was the first to express his intention to quit: "Sir Lin, the Tin Shui Wai project is the New Territories issue that the entire Hong Kong government is also worried about. I am even more worried that after 18 years, our investment will become the assets of the Chinese nation. This time MacLean Hao went to the capital, and although the news he brought back was reassuring, in fact the two governments had already begun talks on the Hong Kong issue. Britain could keep Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, but there was no way around the New Territories. After all, renting is renting, and when it expires I have to pay it back.”

Lin Zhichao couldn't help but laugh in his heart. These people were so stupid. They actually thought that Britain could save Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The UK is thousands of miles away, so why should you compete with the big powers?

In fact, many British businessmen were very optimistic before September 1982. For example, Newbikin and Bao Fuda of the Jardine Matheson family were investing crazy before this.

Lin Zhichao looked at Hu Yingxiang and said, "Hu Sheng, what do you think?"

Lin Zhichao had a calculated plan to win over two companies to join the partnership. At the beginning, one was British-owned and the other was Chinese-owned, so it would be easier for the Hong Kong government to pass. After all, for such a large project to open up a new town, how could Cheung Kong Group not do anything wrong? The cake is divided; and the partnership between the three consortiums also leaves other investors speechless.

But Lin Zhichao knew that Wheelock would definitely quit midway, and Hu Yingxiang might not be able to persist, otherwise Li Jiacheng would not have taken advantage of him in his previous life. Of course, this project was still led by Hua Run at the beginning, but Hua Run had no development experience at all, was unsure of the Hong Kong government's ideas, and had no confidence in the project. In the end, Li Jiacheng was completely taken advantage of.

After understanding so much, Lin Zhishenshan will not give people the idea of ​​​​domineering and eating alone, but will show generousness.

After thinking for a while, Hu Yingxiang said: "Lin Sheng, I agree with Mr. Madden's view. Hopewell intends to withdraw from this project, assuming that you, Changshi, are willing to take over."

He is very decisive!

He didn't feel anything about it last year, but since MacLehose went to the capital, he also feels that the problems in the New Territories are difficult to deal with, especially since Tin Shui Wai is a new town and the amount of subsequent development will be astronomical.

Seeing this, Lin Zhichao took advantage of the situation and said: "Don't rush to quit now. Later I will ask Hua Run to come in and become the major shareholder. They represent the Chinese government. If they join this project, they will have the support of the mainland government. At that time, we will start again Sign the proportion of shares.”

"Okay" both parties replied at the same time.

In this project, the Hong Kong government is actually a participant, but they cannot come up with enough money to develop a new town in Tin Shui Wai, so the initial idea was to hand it over to private companies. However, the Hong Kong government is happy to see the establishment of a new town to relieve the pressure on urban areas, and it also wants to test the mainland.

In short, all parties are testing the waters, but Lin Zhichao is the only one who is firmly on Diaoyutai.

Last year, three companies paid HK$38 million to acquire the development equity of Tin Shui Wai from local family-owned enterprises (tycoons and local families) in Tin Shui Wai. Currently, this area is full of fish ponds.

To turn it into a new town requires a huge investment, but as long as the development cycle is longer, the profits will be terrifying.

After the meeting, Xiao Maden came to Lin Zhichao's office.

After drinking tea, Little Madden said: "Cheung Kong Group has an excellent reputation in the real estate field. We have several properties under Wheelock that we want to rebuild and sell, so Mr. Lin is interested in cooperating!"

Lin Zhichao was stunned. There were many companies looking for cooperation with Cheung Kong Group. There were already Henglong Real Estate, Quanli Foundation, Guang Sang Bank, etc. They all used land and old properties to cooperate with Cheung Kong, and both parties made a 50-50 profit. Next, some industrial companies are also in contact with Changshi Group, preparing to use Changshi's experience and funds to develop their factory land.

But Wheelock approached Cheung Kong Group to cooperate, which surprised Lin Zhichao.

It turns out that although the Zhang Yuliang family was attacked, they were not killed with a stick. The Zhang Yuliang family still developed well in these years; therefore, the largest shareholder of Wheelock at this time should still be the Zhang Yuliang family, because the Zhang Yuliang family took a lot of properties to the exchange meeting Although he had always been wary of Hong Kong, he even wanted to withdraw from Wheelock Group in 1976. Jardine Matheson and Hutchison broke out to merge Wheelock. If HSBC had not blocked it (worrying that Jardine Matheson would surpass HSBC) ), Jardine may succeed.

"Mr. Madden, have you communicated this matter with the Zhang Yuliang family?"

It is not Lin Zhichao’s style not to do business and not make money. But before doing it, he should be honest to avoid any unpleasantness later.

Little Madden said with a look of disdain: "Don't worry, Mr. Lin, I have heard about the holiday you had with Zhang Yuliang, but Wheelock is not the Zhang Yuliang family, but the Madden family. What's more, this is a win-win cooperation. Things, you and Land have cooperated many times, haven’t you?”

The latter part means that the Wharf Group, which you robbed of Land, is no longer cooperating in real estate projects!

Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "In this case, of course our Changshi Group is willing to cooperate."

Little Madden nodded, and then said seriously: "But our cooperation with Wheelock has requirements!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Please speak!"

Madden Jr. said: "Our cooperation plan is to first conduct an 'asset revaluation' of our properties and then allocate them as capital. At the same time, Wheelock and external companies will form an associate company. Then, the associate company will first pay cash, We will buy the revalued assets of Defeng and continue to develop them, and the proceeds will be recovered through the sale of off-the-plan property.”

This plan is indeed different from other cooperation!

The previous cooperation with Changshi Group was to sign a contract directly with the cooperative company. They paid for all expenses such as construction fees and miscellaneous expenses, and the profits were divided 50-50. In this way, Cheung Kong Group will use the foundation money to "fund war with war" by selling off-plan properties.

In Wheelock's current cooperation plan, the joint venture company must first spend cash to purchase the land and then develop it.

Of course, this is still very profitable!

"No problem, this cooperation is very reasonable!"

Little Madden said happily: "Sir Lin is a cheerful person!"

As a long-established foreign company, Wheelock naturally has rich properties and land. In addition, it has absorbed the real estate heritage of the Zhang Yuliang family, and its properties are very rich.

If the cooperation is successful this time, Wheelock will have a large number of properties to cooperate with in the future. After all, the Madden family has always been wary of Hong Kong and the mainland.

Next.

Lin Zhichao suddenly said: "Mr. Madden, I wonder if I can tell you something?"

Little Madden smiled and said, "Sir Sir Lin, just say it!"

Lin Zhichao nodded, and then said tactfully: "Shipping has taken a turn, and the situation may go downhill, and there may even be a cold winter. As a friend, I only offer one piece of advice - it is not appropriate to expand the fleet under the current situation."

Wheelock is still ordering bulk carriers this year, so Lin Zhichao gave some advice.

The two are not actually true friends, but they are true partners. They have cooperated in shipping companies, but the fleet has been disbanded. This time, Lin Zhichao immediately reminded him when he came to cooperate on real estate matters.

After thinking for a while, Madden said: "Thank you Sir Lin for your advice! However, I think ships are tranable assets, and although there are some minor shipping problems, the overall market situation is still there. And with the opening up of the mainland, I think cargo ships must be very secure in their business.”

Well, although the current shipping crisis has been brought to the surface, many people will not believe it if there is a risk. Just like when you are trading in stocks, some people suggest that you buy stocks with low price-to-earnings ratios, but Leek Cai will always say - what are you buying for stocks that no one is speculating on? You want other people's dividends, but others want your principal.

In short, it’s hard to persuade the damn ghost!

"Maybe your analysis is right! I just think about it from the tanker business, because the British North Sea oil fields"

"Well, I'm optimistic about the market for bulk carriers."

After seeing off Xiao Maden, Lin Zhichao couldn't help but shake his head.

He suddenly felt that this was a good thing. For example, he suddenly tightened the trend of real estate, but no one would follow suit.

Because many people believe in themselves more. Even Lin Zhichao, a super successful person, does not think they are as powerful as themselves.

It's good. In the future, whether I cash out from real estate or the stock market, it will not be affected.

When Zhang Yuliang heard that Xiao Maden decided to win over Changshi Group for cooperation, he immediately protested: "Why choose Changshi?"

Over the years, he still remembers when Lin Zhichao suppressed him. It was really uncomfortable at that time. And because of Lin Zhichao's suppression, Zhang's wealth has also been affected.

Currently, the Zhang Yuliang family holds 30% of Wheelock's equity, and Xiao Maden holds 15% of Wheelock's equity. This is only slightly different from history, but the wealth of the Zhang Yuliang family's Jinxing Real Estate (a private real estate company, an unlisted enterprise) has shrunk greatly, and is much worse than the wealth of the previous life.

Madden Jr. smiled and said: "Changshi Group has excellent reputation and rich experience in real estate development. I really can't think of a second company that is qualified to cooperate. Although I know that you and Sir Lin have some minor disputes, others have not caused you trouble in these years. Obviously there is no need to remember the unpleasantness of the past. In fact, my father also had some unpleasantness with Sir Lin, but when my father returned to London that year, he reminded me that if I want to cooperate with the Chinese in Hong Kong, it is best to go to Sir Lin. "

Zhang Yuliang could only say without confidence: "Sun Hung Kai and Henderson are also good, and Hang Lung is also good."

Madden said directly and domineeringly: "I have already negotiated this matter. This time I just plan to invite your private company Jinxing Real Estate to cooperate with Real Estate Trust (Wheelock Real Estate's flagship company), Jinxing Real Estate, and Cheung Kong Properties The group formed a joint venture, each holding one-third of the equity. The joint project is to rebuild and sell nine Wheelock properties."

Zhang Yuliang could only compromise when he saw Xiao Maden's appearance.

"Okay, Jinxing Land is willing to participate."

In 1971, in order to go public, Cheung Yuk-leung injected some properties, including two medium-sized buildings in Central and some other properties, into the Wheelock Group, and gradually gained the status of a major shareholder; as a result, his family business assets also shrunk significantly.

Now it is equivalent to Zhang's wealth being controlled by Xiao Maden, so he lacks confidence.

In early April, Lin Zhichao, accompanied by his second uncle Lin Yunchu, finally embarked on a ‘root-seeking journey’.

Before that, he had confirmed in many ways and entrusted his second uncle Lin Yunchu to confirm many times in Shunde that his ancestral tomb had been moved by several of his clan brothers without being damaged by the sun and rain.

Therefore, Lin Zhichao put down the burden in his heart and decided to ease the relationship with his hometown.

"Mr. Lin, Director Liao, it's already very late. Today we will stay at the county guest house for one night, and then we will go to Mr. Lin's hometown to worship tomorrow." County Magistrate Li said.

Lin Zhichao looked at the sky. It was already around four o'clock in the afternoon, which coincided with the Qingming Festival. It was raining and foggy outside.

"Director Liao, I really trouble you to accompany me personally. This will delay your work for several days just because of this matter of mine."

"Mr. Lin, you are too polite. This is my job. As long as it is a matter for overseas Chinese, it is my responsibility."

After being polite, everyone got into a dilapidated car and drove towards the county guest house.

When they arrived at the place, Lin Zhichao was surprised even though he had been mentally prepared. The best place to live in according to County Magistrate Li is a completely shabby place.

There was no wallpaper, no carpets, and of course no air conditioning; everything looked crude and clumsy. It was quite big, but it was too big to be real.

County Magistrate Li saw Lin Zhichao's intention and immediately said: "Mr. Lin, although this place is simple, it has received many big leaders and senior generals. The relics of the imperial officials and the majesty of the generals, today we can receive you, the richest man in the world." This noble person can be said to be a gathering of celebrities including officials, generals and businessmen."

Lin Zhichao then smiled and said: "County Magistrate Li, you must be a good official because you know how to promote, so Shunde can get development opportunities."

County Magistrate Li said quickly: "Thank you, Mr. Lin. I just said some decent words because this guest house may be too simple for you."

Lin Zhichao was in a good mood. It was great to have County Magistrate Li in Shunde, and many subsequent things would be easier to handle.

"You are a practical official!"

After being polite, everyone stayed at the guest house and had dinner at the guest house in the evening. The waiter here is an old woman with a yellow face, but she is very enthusiastic.

When washing up in the evening, these waiters (public relations) also carried a large bucket of hot water for Lin Zhichao to use.

Pushing the door open and entering the bathroom, there was a faint smell of unflushed urine... I saw a light layer of yellow dirt on the edge of the squat white porcelain toilet pit. The most unbearable thing is that the water outlet in the large and thick bathtub has a cork hot water bottle plug plugged in.

Oh my gosh, it really works!

Many rich people may feel very uncomfortable in this kind of scene. Lin Zhichao simply dealt with it after being uncomfortable for a short time.

The sleeping place was simply unaccustomed. Fortunately, the accompanying assistant had already brought out a sheet, so it was no problem for a simple night.

During the National Day last year, Lin Zhichao went to Beijing and Yangcheng. Even if the conditions were worse, they were still much better than in a county town. But this time, Lin Zhichao really hit the wall and only slept for three or four hours the whole night.

Early the next morning, Lin Zhichao was anxious to go to Yunxiu Mountain to worship his ancestors. He was determined to return to Yangcheng in the afternoon and try to stay in Yangcheng at night.

In less than an hour, the car arrived at Anwan Township, where Lin Zhichao's ancestral home is. The township organized many people to welcome him.

The people in my hometown are very enthusiastic!

Lin Zhichao thought that he must have been so active when he poked his ancestral grave.

"Zhichao, you have made a difference! The things you sent back in those years saved many of our lives!" A clan uncle held Lin Zhichao's hand and said emotionally.

"Uncle Wen, you are in great shape!"

"That's great! I almost came to Hong Kong to find you!"

In Guangdong Province, people are proud to go to Hong Kong. If any family succeeds, they will immediately set off firecrackers to celebrate.

On the same day, Lin Zhichao went to Yunxiu Mountain to worship his ancestors, and the tomb was briefly repaired.

Originally, Lin Zhichao was thinking about moving back to the original place, but after asking a master to take a look, the master believed that Yunxiu Mountain was a natural geomantic treasure and advised Lin Zhichao not to move again.

Therefore, we simply repaired and erected a monument on the original site to avoid disturbing grandpa and father too much.

The whole project is not big. This is because it is not good to carry out large-scale construction projects. People in my hometown cannot afford to eat!

If people are created to be jealous, nothing will happen.

When things developed to this extent, Lin Zhichao suddenly felt enlightened. Why do we have to pursue the mistakes of the times?

My hometown is my hometown. Looking forward to the future, wouldn’t it be better to make the people in my hometown proud of me?

"County Magistrate Li, I will give you the contact information of the county government later. We will communicate later. I want to donate the teaching buildings and infrastructure of basic primary schools in the county, and then build a hospital, a hotel, and a middle school in Shunde." There are many Shunde people in Hong Kong, and many are willing to return to Shunde. As the county magistrate, you must be active for the people of the county!"

Before leaving, Lin Zhichao grabbed Magistrate Li's sign language and said sincerely.

The place is less considered than the above, to put it bluntly. County Magistrate Li can directly agree to accept the donation without thinking too much.

County Magistrate Li burst into tears of excitement and said, "Mr. Lin, thank you for your heartfelt words. As the county magistrate, I will definitely consider the people of Shunde and actively cooperate and contact you."

Lin Zhichao patted him on the shoulder and said: "Being able to contribute to our hometown is something that all of us overseas Shunde people are happy about."

County Magistrate Li nodded heavily!

Just for this rich man to say that he would donate infrastructure to primary schools in the county is a great thing. As for the subsequent members of parliament, hotels, and middle schools, it will be a further good thing.

Lin Zhichao left with a heavy heart. The journey was shabby and troublesome, and he did not arrive at the provincial capital until twelve o'clock at night.

The infrastructure is really poor.

So Lin Zhichao was thinking that just donating money would definitely not be the answer. He would have to invest in infrastructure in the future.

Step by step, fortunately, he is not the only one who wants to give back to the country, but a large number of overseas wealthy people. (End of chapter)