The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

On New Year's Day, 1981, Hutchison Whampoa announced that Wei Li would resign as CEO, and announced that Richard Richard would be the CEO, Xia Boyin would be the business director, and Peter Wei would be the political director.

Hutchison Whampoa has entered the "Big Three" management model. In fact, many people in the industry know that Lin Zhichao has basically mastered Hutchison Whampoa. Not only does Cheung Kong Group hold 47.8% of the shares, but also Lin Zhichao himself has a strong influence on Hutchison Whampoa. Huangpu's influence has extended to all aspects.

Hutchison Building, conference room.

Lin Zhichao is having a meeting with the new management. Judging from the attitude of Hutchison Whampoa's senior management, with Lin Zhichao attending the meeting, everything is already dominated by Lin Zhichao. Only when Lin Zhichao is humble can the CEO gain control.

"Last year, Hutchison Whampoa made a profit of 520 million, once again achieving great success. Thank you all for your hard work!" Lin Zhichao first reported the first-hand financial report news.

More than a dozen foreigners in the conference room applauded one after another, with excited expressions on their faces.

In 1978, Hutchison's profit was only 250 million. By the first full year of Lin Zhichao's takeover (1979), Hutchison's profit had soared to 480 million (including non-recurring profit of 120 million), and last year (1979) it increased again. , reaching 520 million (including non-recurring profits of 55 million).

In other words, even if there are no non-recurring profits, Hutchison's three-year normal profits are still: 250 million, 360 million, and 470 million, which are quite impressive results. These profits include dividends from Watsons, Hebao, Hutchison Real Estate, and Junyi warehouse, but they do not include the total profits of these four subsidiaries. In other words, as long as these subsidiaries are privatized, Hutchison Whampoa's profits will quickly increase a lot.

Later, Lin Zhichao handed over the leadership of the meeting to Richard Chaxin, giving some signals of reuse. Ma Shimin has been developing in Singapore for a year. During this period, Lin Zhichao also talked to him alone. Although he did not bring it up directly, the friendship was already established.

If Richard doesn't falter, he can stay as president of Hutchison Whampoa for two or three years; if he falters, Lin Zhichao can tell him to get out at any time.

"Hutchison Whampoa's operations are on the right track and have completely overcome the difficulties after the oil crisis. In the new year, our main focus will be on trade, retail, ports, and real estate. In terms of trade, we must increase our trade volume with the mainland. , strive to obtain more profits.”

He did not make bold statements, but decided to continue his previous style and develop steadily. After all, his position was not yet secure.

As for strengthening trade with the mainland, this is indeed necessary. Hong Kong's greatest advantage is not its geographical location. If foreign countries want to do business in the mainland, they need to come to Hong Kong as a springboard, and Hutchison Whampoa is a Hong Kong company and has natural advantages.

The so-called trade does not necessarily mean exporting to the mainland. It may also be acting as an agent for mainland products and selling them overseas. Hutchison Whampoa's trade talent pool is very strong, second only to the Jardine Group.

Later, Richard Xin said: "In terms of real estate, it is booming and we can strengthen some investments."

Speaking of real estate, Lin Zhichao obviously did not allow Richard Richard to interfere too much. He immediately said: "The Whampoa Dockyard is still under negotiation. The Hong Kong government wants a price of HK$1.9 billion. Although it has not been negotiated, it is obviously not suitable to invest in other real estate projects. At the same time, Aberdeen Center should try its best to sell all of its buildings to raise funds to focus on developing the Whampoa Dockyard project."

When Richard saw this, he immediately changed his tune: "Sir Sir Lin's words are very reasonable. If the Whampoa Dockyard is successfully developed, it will be the next Taikoo Shing, and the profits will be earned."

Seeing this, everyone naturally began to agree with Lin Zhichao's point of view.

In fact, Lin Zhichao is currently spending time with the Hong Kong government. He only paid HK$1.9 billion in land compensation fees because of his mental illness. Once it is developed now, it will be sold at the cheapest time.

At the end of negotiations with Huaying, he went to negotiate with the Hong Kong government for land fees. The Hong Kong government needed to revitalize real estate (involving the prospect of land sales) and needed such a large project to stimulate the property market, so the price would not be too high.

During this period, as long as the drawings and plans are drawn up and discussed, construction can begin.

After the entire meeting that day, the relationship between Lin Zhichao and the new management was handled very well. I believe there will be enough tacit understanding in the future, so there should be no worries.

Lin Zhichao and Zhou Huai'an came to the Hong Kong government's official land auction. This scene did not surprise the people present. Although the Changshi Group has made very little in the official land auction in the past two years; but as long as there is high-quality land, Lin Zhichao can And if he happened to be in Hong Kong, he would attend.

In everyone's opinion, the reason why Cheung Kong Group has reduced its purchase of official land is because Cheung Kong Group itself has a large land reserve; it has also successively acquired a number of British companies to enjoy its rich land resources; and finally, many companies have come to cooperate and provide The land is given to Cheung Kong Group for development.

The reason why Lin Zhichao was so alarmed today was because there was a piece of land for luxury villas and mansions in the Baibishan area of ​​Tai Tam Bay, Hong Kong Island. Some people had predicted beforehand that the transaction price of this land would reach over one billion Hong Kong dollars.

Not far away, Bao Fuda and Huang Tingfang sat together, and the two communicated for a while.

Huang Tingfang: "Don't worry, Cheung Kong Group has a long front, and it is said that it has also invested in securities business in the UK."

Bao Fuda: "Of course, don't worry. The combined strength of our two consortiums is not weaker than that of Cheung Kong Group, and our Land Group obviously has more experience in developing luxury villas."

It turned out that Land and Sino Real Estate had joined forces this time to acquire the land in the Baibishan area of ​​Tai Tam Bay, Hong Kong Island, so Huang Tingfang and Bao Fuda sat together.

Since losing the Wharf Group and Bao Fuda taking over, Land has gradually increased its real estate development efforts. Nowadays, real estate in Hong Kong is booming. Residential properties in Taikoo Shing have been sold for HK$1,200 per square foot, and residential properties in North Point have also been sold for HK$1,020 per square foot.

There is no doubt that Land has decided to show its talents in order to regain its position as the real estate hegemon.

At present, the market value of Cheung Kong Group is 17 billion, and the market value of Land is 12 billion. The difference is getting bigger and bigger; of course, the third market value is Swire Properties, which is only 4 billion; the fourth is New World Development, with the New World Center plus, with a market value of HK$3.8 billion; fifth place is Sun Hung Kai, with a market value of HK$3.6 billion.

Huang Tingfang and Bao Fuda had a brief exchange and then got up to say hello. They were still able to have a good relationship in private.

Bao Fuda: "Mr. Lin, I have rarely seen you at auctions recently!"

Lin Zhichao: "It's the same thing when they come! But we missed a lot of opportunities. I didn't expect that land prices increased so fast. We missed a lot of opportunities in vain!"

Bao Fuda: "It is really unusual for Mr. Lin to feel sorry for you. You are one of the few experts who has been able to accurately grasp the real estate cycle since the late 1940s! Haha!"

Lin Zhichao: "The rise in land prices has really caught people off guard. Sometimes horses stumble!"

Seeing Bao Fuda's appearance, Lin Zhichao had no choice but to give Zhi the bait, otherwise he would be really sorry for the 'big opportunity'. Of course, he is not raising prices with Land and Sino Land today, but has other plans.

Next, Lin Zhichao exchanged a few words with other real estate developers, and then sat in the front row with Zheng Yutong, with Li Gaofu on the other side.

As for Lee Shau Kee and Kwok Desheng, neither of them likes to buy land from official land. Instead, they like to acquire old buildings and exchange land rights deeds. They are indeed of the same origin; especially Lee Shau Kee, who is the least likely to appear at official land auctions.

The auction will begin soon.

There are only three pieces of land in total, and the most expensive one is of course the Baibi Mountain lot.

Lin Zhichao found that Huang Tingfang was the most active. No wonder Sino almost went bankrupt in its previous life from 1983 to 1984, resulting in a loss of HK$1 billion. If it weren't for Huang's strong financial strength, the dawn of 1985 might not have belonged to Sino.

"The price of land here is terrifyingly high!" Zheng Yutong sighed.

"Too much external capital will naturally drive up land and property prices in Hong Kong. Why don't you shout?" Lin Zhichao said with a smile.

"The price is too high. If I push it again, it has no meaning other than pushing the price higher." Zheng Yutong replied.

Lin Zhichao nodded, this is his personal style.

Lee Shau Kee rarely participated in official land auctions and became one of the four major families;

Zheng Yutong generally does not 'top the price' at official land auctions. Although his descendants are not even as good as Hang Lung in the field of real estate development, they still rank among the four major families.

To put it bluntly, the most important thing is to grasp the importance of timing. Lee Siu Kee-sheng has long-term land reserves and owns Towngas; Cheng Yu Tong-sheng has won two major projects - New World Center and Convention and Exhibition Center, and owns Chow Tai Fook.

When it’s the turn of the White Pen Hill lot to be auctioned.

Lin Zhichao started bidding, and the scene became lively for a while, with many real estate developers watching the excitement.

Reporters also recorded this moment one after another, and even tomorrow's news headlines were written - Land and Land merged to challenge Cheung Kong Group. This is attractive enough. The competition surrounding Cheung Kong Group and Jardine Matheson Group has always been the reason for attracting news in recent years.

However, when the price reached 1.25 billion today, Lin Zhichao shook his head and gave up.

Not for sale!

Bao Fuda and Huang Tingfang were overjoyed. Their strongest opponent actually quit?

However, they still have two rivals, one is the Australian consortium and the other is Sun Hung Kai.

Of course, Land and Sino Land ultimately won the land at a cost of HK$1.35 billion.

Out of control!

At this moment, Lin Zhichao intuitively felt that Land's investment had begun to get out of control.

Based on the current cost, the profit of this project is already weak, and is expected to be only 20%. However, Land Bold, Sino and Ng Ting Fong are obviously betting that real estate will continue to rise.

Back to Cheung Kong Group.

Lin Zhichao immediately summoned several core senior executives for a meeting in his office.

"I am going to let Cheung Kong Group sell its equity in Amazon Commercial Real Estate, and the funds will be used to purchase 2.2 million square feet of New Territories land and land exchange rights from my subsidiary Victoria Harbor Real Estate. I will try to complete this three-party transaction in the first half of the year!"

Taking advantage of the strong assets on both sides, we quickly completed this transaction worth 1.3 to 1.5 billion.

Huang Changhong said with a smile: "I didn't expect that the 200 million Hong Kong dollars invested at the end of 1975 would have a return rate of about five times in more than five years. These Yankee securities have really amplified a lot of profits."

The securities were worth US$350 million at the time, but now the securities are worth US$1.8 billion. This is how powerful it is. In fact, rents in Manhattan have only doubled since they were at their lowest point in 1975.

The United States is the most financially developed place in the world. All products can be turned into financial products. Even industries such as real estate have eventually become financial products.

Lin Zhichao said: "In fact, the land in Hong Kong has also increased so much!"

Everyone nodded. In the first half of 1975, the price of residential land in Hong Kong and Kowloon was only over HK$200, but now it is as high as around HK$1,500 (official land auction price reference), an increase of six to seven times.

If Cheung Kong Group takes over the land and land exchange rights from Victoria Harbor Properties, it will be equivalent to having a floor reserve of 26 million square feet (visible floor area).

It is still the largest land bank real estate developer in Hong Kong. Sun Hung Kai and Henderson are nothing at this time. Bao Henglong, these three real estate developers basically have 10 million square feet of floor space reserves.

What is the equivalent of 10 million square feet of floor space reserve? Probably, it can be used for the development of Hang Lung until seven or eight years later. In fact, Hang Lung is a land bank that includes nine stations of the MTR Corporation!

Cheung Kong Group is now a well-deserved giant in terms of land reserves, real estate development projects, commercial real estate projects, and comprehensive operations. Its market value this year will definitely reach HK$20 billion.

Last year, Cheung Kong Group's profit was as high as HK$850 million. Although it was HK$170 million less than the previous year, it had non-recurring profits of HK$300 million; so in terms of normal profits, it actually increased by HK$130 million again.

This year (1981) is scary. After all, if you sell shares of Amazon commercial real estate and make a profit of 1 billion, it will also be included in the profit (abnormal profit); at the same time, Lin Zhichao also plans to dispose of a batch of properties.

The final profit is expected to steadily exceed that of HSBC.

Island Road, Repulse Bay.

Lin Zhichao was having dinner with Zhao Yazhi, Lin Qingxia, and Guan Jiahui. There were four villas side by side, and the three women's villas were close to each other. They even had a moon arch door opened.

So usually when Lin Zhichao comes here, everyone gets together for dinner, and at night they decide whether to separate rooms according to the situation.

During the dinner, Kwan Jiahui vividly recounted her experience in KMB stocks: "I started to lurk in KMB stocks in October. In late November, I encountered Sun Hung Kai's acquisition of KMB. Although the acquisition was not successful (26% of the shares were held) , but I also took advantage of the trend and sold the stocks, making a profit of 25%, and earned more than five million! The money was used to buy several real estate stocks."

Now that the Hang Seng Index is above 1,200 points, Lin Zhichao plans to start cashing out one after another when it reaches 1,700 points. After all, the maximum will not exceed 1,900 points.

Assuming it reaches 1,700 points in the middle of this year, the market value is actually much higher than the 1,700 points in 1973. The Hang Seng Index is based on 50 constituent stocks, and the total market value of these 50 constituent stocks is already many times greater than the market value of the 50 constituent stocks in 1973.

The Hong Kong stock market is currently the second largest in Asia and the fourth largest in the world, with a total market capitalization of more than HK$400 billion.

Lin Qingxia joked: "It sounds like you know how to trade stocks, isn't it Brother Chao who is giving you guidance?"

Guan Jiahui suddenly laughed and said: "I just want to share with you the joy of making money easily, how can I say anything about my own abilities."

If the three sisters work together, they can ensure that this man has a lot of energy in their hands; if they don't work together, it will be easy for other women to take advantage of him.

Therefore, the three women have reached a tacit understanding that the man can play with them however he wants to satisfy the man's selfish desires. Of course, they are also a pleasure.

Lin Zhichao said at this time: "This year, you will sell the properties in your hands one after another. Just keep some luxury houses you want to keep, or shops in good locations."

"ah"

The three women all looked at Lin Zhichao, and Zhao Yazhi immediately said: "Then the company still has employees!"

Lin Zhichao said: "Just keep it, maybe I will buy it back in a few years."

Lin Qingxia asked curiously: "Is real estate going to fall?"

Lin Zhichao said: "This is called risk reduction! It is uncertain whether real estate will fall, but it has risen very high in the past few years. It is best to be more stable when making profits."

Guan Jiahui asked again: "What about stocks?"

After pretending to think about it, Lin Zhichao said: "If the Hang Seng Index is below 1,700 points, it is absolutely safe. If it goes above 1,700 points, you have to sell quickly."

Later, he added: "If you cash out the funds, I will arrange for professional investment personnel to teach you to go for a walk in the U.S. stock market later. I will personally guide you on what stocks to invest in, but you can also take the opportunity to learn some basic common sense. "

The wealth of these women will also increase, and they will be equivalent to Lin Zhichao's backup!

The three women listened very carefully and no longer had any doubts. After all, when it came to investment, they had to completely obey this man.

That night, Lin Zhichao entered Lin Qingxia's room.

"You really have a rest today?" Lin Qingxia lay in Lin Zhichao's arms and said with a smile like a lover.

"Rest! You can't handle it alone." Lin Zhichao said domineeringly.

Truce is so domineering!

If it were an ordinary man, he would probably be afraid.

"Then hold me tight, I'm so obsessed with the smell of you!" Lin Qingxia said infatuatedly.

"Does it smell?" Lin Zhichao said suspiciously.

"No way, I'm not talking about that smell!"

This woman is so perfect when it comes to coquettishness.

However, Lin Zhichao soon became concerned about Lin Qingxia's physical and mental health.

"Qingxia, do you want to go filming and kill some time?"

Lin Qingxia raised her head, with a very hesitant expression on her face, and finally said, "No, I want to grow up with Gao Ming."

Lin Zhichao said: "Just one movie, it can be regarded as a masterpiece in Hong Kong! I heard from Jiahui that you feel bored sometimes, after all, you didn't grow up in Hong Kong."

Lin Qingxia said: "This Jiahui knows how to sue me. I will not share my worries with her in the future! But Brother Chao, although I did not grow up in Hong Kong, I can often go back to Taiwan to live. In fact, it has no impact. Sometimes I miss you very much."

Lin Zhichao said: "There is nothing I can do about this, you six women have already exploited me enough!"

Lin Qingxia smiled and said: "I'm not asking for anything, I'm just discussing the matter! And Brother Chao, what movie can you tell me to have a masterpiece in Hong Kong? Now it must have a box office of at least 10 million to be considered a representative, but I am only good at filming "Love Literary"

When talking about filming, she immediately became talkative.

Lin Zhichao said: "Of course it's a scene that I hand-picked, and there's no kissing scene or anything like that!"

Lin Qingxia said: "You asked me to take pictures of those, but I still don't know how to take them!"

Of course she is very smart, and Lin Zhichao is very possessive, so he will not lose the big for the small.

Lin Zhichao then said: "I want you to film a Jin Yong novel "The Invincible East". I have always found your heroic spirit very charming, and I want to amplify it in this way to satisfy my personal ideas."

Straightforward enough!

Lin Qingxia said helplessly: "I have no objection to satisfying your idea. But this movie is a hit on the street, and I have to bear the reputation of being laughable. Brother Chao, can't you put in less trouble!"

This man is so good at playing. The key is that women like them are willing to be played!

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "The box office of this movie will not be less than 10 million. I personally think it will be in the top five last year. More importantly, it will make Lin Qingxia's name very influential in the Chinese circle."

Lin Qingxia immediately became interested. Although she doubted the movie itself, she did not doubt Lin Zhichao's vision.

Eventually, she was convinced and decided to make a martial arts film for her man.

As for Lin Zhichao, he really feels that if Lin Qingxia does not play "The Invincible", he will always feel that something is missing.