Chapter 84 [Shipping Beginner] (Please vote for me!)
Author: Ren Zhufei
Chapter 84 [Shipping Beginner] (Please vote for me!)
Friday, November 5th, is a good day to move or move to a new house.
The private housing estate "Lam Tin Nga Yuen" in Happy Valley ushered in the day of handover, and the whole estate was filled with joy.
"The security at the door is very energetic! At first glance, I thought they were uniformed police!"
"Yes! Those cleaners also wear uniforms, but I don't know if they can clean the room for us."
"You think so, others are only responsible for the public environment outside."
Immediately, residents moved in one after another, and these wealthy people in Hong Kong could not help but sigh at the superiority of "private housing estates".
In addition to the security guards and cleaners, there are also property management staff who are very warm and considerate.
In this comparison, even the arcades and western-style buildings in the middle of the mountain are not necessarily as comfortable as those in "private housing estates".
As everyone knows, there is no free lunch in the world. After everyone enjoys it for three months, the property management company will charge for it.
Of course, for these people with money and status, a property fee of only 200 yuan a year is not very expensive.
And I believe everyone can understand that there is no one who sells a house and also acts as your nanny for the rest of your life.
“There is a restaurant and shop at the door, so life is very convenient!”
"I heard that the second floor of the restaurant is a property management company, which also provides some fitness and leisure club activities. Housing owners can experience them for free."
"This is so thoughtful. Changjiang Real Estate is really amazing."
The entire private housing estate was discussing the superiority of the new home, and it received rave reviews. As for the second floor of the restaurant, it was indeed the first floor purchased by Cheung Kong Real Estate, with an area of 980 square feet.
Except for a 180-square-foot room that is used as a property office, the rest has been developed into a clubhouse style.
In Lin Zhichao's view, the annual operating expenses of the property management company are at most 15,000 Hong Kong dollars, but they can collect property fees of 26,000 Hong Kong dollars, which is very profitable. What's more, the two stores are also managed by the property management company, and the annual rent collected is also very high.
Generally speaking, property management is a very profitable thing. He is not worried about the problem of owners not paying. The owners of Lantian Yayuan generally do not do that. After all, once the property management company is removed, the value of the entire Lantian Yayuan will immediately depreciate.
In the evening, Lin Zhichao came to Tang Zhongyuan's house after get off work and visited it under the guidance of Tang Caiyun.
Both families purchased 980 square feet, or 108 square meters, and designed three bedrooms, two living rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a worker's room.
The so-called worker's room is the servant's room, which is only 38 square feet.
"You two sisters can't just buy a bunk bed, why do you have to squeeze in together?" Lin Zhichao said deliberately when visiting the Tang sisters' boudoir.
Tang Caiying immediately took Tang Caiyun's arm and said: "We have slept together since childhood, why do we have to change beds? Brother-in-law, you haven't married my sister yet, so you are starting to get jealous!" After that, she deliberately got close to her. Tang Caiyun seems to be demonstrating to Lin Zhichao.
Lin Zhichao's heart suddenly felt ripples. He had slept together since childhood, wouldn't it be easier to sleep together in the future? Thinking about it is exciting!
Tang Caiyun had already 'rebelled' at this time, so she naturally felt more for Lin Zhichao and teased her sister with a smile.
"She looks very brave. In fact, she was afraid of the dark when she was a child and would always sneak into my room."
"elder sister!"
The two sisters started to fight.
Back in the living room, everyone gathered together to discuss the new home.
Song Qiaoling sighed: "I finally got rid of the dilemma of renting a house. Although this house is a bit small, it is still my own, so I am more at ease."
Her sigh was recognized by everyone.
Lin Zhichao smiled and comforted his mother-in-law and said, "It's okay. We will move back to Mid-Levels later and then the family will buy a building."
It's not that he can't afford it at this time, but he feels that money must be spent wisely. Coupled with the JF of Guangdong Province and the Peninsula War, house prices in the Mid-levels will naturally fall. I don't say how much, but at least
It's not as tight as it is now. If you want to buy, the landlord won't sell.
From Lin Zhichao's words, everyone in the room understood that Lin Zhichao was not just talking big words, but that he had the strength. At the same time, these words also revealed that Tang's Oriental Textile would also develop together with Yangtze River Industries.
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Tang Zhongyuan had recently taken out a lot of loans and was under great pressure, so he said, "After Oriental Textile's second factory is built, do I still want to move to Tsuen Wan?"
In the past, Song Qiaoling would have been sensible, but now that she has the support of her son-in-law, she said unreasonably: "The area in Tsuen Wan is very desolate, we don't want to live there!"
Tang Zhongyuan immediately looked at his wife unhappy.
It was Lin Zhichao who smoothed things over and said, "It's mainly because it's not convenient for my younger siblings to go to school!"
As soon as Tang Zhongyuan heard this, he got off the stairs and said, "I said I usually live in Tsuen Wan Factory, and the conditions there will be very good."
Indeed, many textile bosses from Shanghai usually live with their families in the Tsuen Wan factory. After all, they are still in the entrepreneurial stage.
Lin Zhichao did not interfere with his parents-in-law's decision, he just tried to mediate it.
Afterwards, the two families became happy. Today is the day to move into a new house.
At the pier in Sai Wan, Lin Chichao came to visit the loading and shipping of "Fu Wo Hong Trading".
Li Gaofu introduced Lin Zhichao's partners and shipowners, saying: "Lin Sheng, these three are my partners Huang Tinggui, Li Fubing, and Yang Zhiqiang. This is Mr. Chen Zexi, the owner of the ship we lease." His tone was very respectful, but not respectful.
Call the boss again.
Everyone took the initiative to greet Lin Zhichao, but no one expected that Lin Zhichao would come in person; they thought that the relationship between Li Gaofu and Lin Zhichao must not be a simple one.
Lin Zhichao talked to everyone humbly, and his words also revealed that he had a close relationship with Li Gaofu. After all, being able to come and visit in person already showed it.
At this time, the dock is busy loading goods, which are the goods that Li Gaofu and others founded "Fuhexing" - tires, gasoline, cement, chemicals, etc. This batch of goods will be shipped to Weihai Weishi Island in Shandong Province.
At the beginning of this month (November), news came over there that a trade port was specially opened in JF District.
The opportunity has come!
Of course it’s Li Gaofu’s opportunity!
And it can be said that Li Gaofu is almost the first person to eat crabs.
Looking for an opportunity, Lin Zhichao said to Chen Zexi favorably: "How many boats does Mr. Chen have?"
Chen Zexi immediately said humbly: "Lin Sheng is very impressed. I have several ships there, but this is an old ship with a capacity of 1,200 tons."
A 1,200-ton old ship (30 to 40 years old) sells for about HK$700,000 to 800,000. If the Peninsular War starts, there will be a ship shortage in the Far East. The same ship may cost HK$1 million.
Lin Zhichao then asked: "Then Chen Sheng must be an old shipowner. I think your crew members are of better quality, so they must be well managed."
In fact, he was just 'flattering', and he couldn't see anything at all.
At this time, Chen Zexi showed a proud expression and said: "In terms of strength, I am definitely not a big ship owner in Hong Kong. But in terms of rich experience, I don't think I will admit defeat. I have been sailing since I was 15 years old. The highest
I owned two boats at that time, but when the RB people came, I lost everything. After the war, I finally got back on my feet, so I naturally worked harder."
At this time, Lin Zhichao listened very carefully and looked humble.
When the time came, he took out his name card and handed it over, and said: "Sheng Chen, I am somewhat interested in this shipping business. How about I become the host tomorrow and we can sit down and chat."
Chen Zexi suddenly realized that this wealthy man was eyeing shipping. He immediately took the name card and handed over his own name card.
"Lin Sheng, sailing is dangerous!" Chen Zexi sighed.
"I am mentally prepared. I just want to think more about Chen Sheng and ask for advice to see if I am the material."
"I don't dare to take it seriously. Since Lin Sheng wants to understand, I won't be stingy either."
"Okay, I will have a banquet at Datong Restaurant tomorrow. I wonder if Chen Sheng has time?"
“Definitely arriving”
Seeing Lin Zhichao staring at the ship owner and chatting, Li Gaofu and others naturally understood the situation and did not interrupt.
One day later, Li Gaofu stood on the bow of the boat, looking at the sea.
Both excited and nervous!
He deeply felt that opportunities were hard to come by, especially opportunities that were prepared, so while being grateful to Lin Zhichao, he vowed to do a good job.
At the same time, he also understood that Lin Zhichao would also enter the shipping industry, and he was considered a vanguard; so he had to do it himself and accumulate some experience to repay Lin Zhichao's support.
"Brother Gao Fu, why did you think of going with the ship yourself and finding a few relatives and trusted associates? You don't need to go into this danger yourself!" Huang Tinggui's voice came from behind.
Li Gaofu turned around and said seriously: "I am not a young master like you or a rich kid. I only have one chance. If I don't cherish it, I will have no chance of getting ahead. Why did you agree to go with the ship?" After saying that, he became curious.
Huang Tinggui said matter-of-factly: "Since I have left the family business, I naturally don't want my elders and brothers to look down on me or laugh at me one day. So, even if it means risking my life, I have to do this well."
Every family has scriptures that are difficult to recite!
Competition in big families is also very fierce.
For a time, Li Gaofu and Huang Tinggui became like-minded.
In this era, if you want to make money, you have to take risks. Li Gaofu knows that his cousin's success was definitely a risk, and he got the first pot of gold for starting a business. But now, he directly has the first pot of gold, although he borrowed it.
But it's also much better.
Unknowingly, Li Gaofu has regarded Lin Zhichao as his idol, and he always thinks about how to imitate Lin Zhichao and seize opportunities step by step.
After chatting for a few words, Li Gaofu approached the captain excitedly. He now felt that he came with a mission - to learn shipping and get to know his network.
Once the cousin enters shipping, he can also give some advice or help in return for the promotion.
"Captain Liu, you must have been to the north many times, right?" Li Gaofu took the initiative to chat.
Captain Liu is a Cantonese captain. When he heard this, he said boldly: "Boss Li has rented the right ship this time. I started traveling north ten years ago and there are many people from Shandong Province on our ship!"
Hong Kong's Lu police are quite famous.
Seeing how generous the captain was, Li Gaofu continued to chat.
At Datong Restaurant, Lin Zhichao invited Chen Zexi to dinner, and both of them were in high spirits.
For Chen Zexi, it is also beneficial to make friends with Lin Zhichao, and he will have a deep network;
For Lin Zhichao, although Chen Zexi is just a small ship owner, he is still an entry-level teacher.
"Sheng Chen, I have a rather presumptuous question, that is, what are the global prices for freight charges?" Lin Zhichao poured a full bottle of wine for Chen Zexi and asked humbly.
Chen Zexi opened up his chatterbox and spoke out everything without Lin Zhichao asking him one by one.
"Lin Sheng, this charge actually depends on many factors. The newness of the ship and the oldness of the ship also affect the market. Of course, most shipowners in Hong Kong pick up second-hand ships and now go to Japan. The cargo is charged by ton. It also depends on the price.
Depending on the cargo, the price per ton is around US$10.”
"This time I received the order from Boss Li, and it was based on three voyages. It was about US$28 per ton of cargo, and it is expected to cost US$30,000."
After hearing this, Lin Zhichao immediately said: "So, you can earn back a second-hand boat in just a year?"
A trip of 30,000 U.S. dollars, and eight trips a year is equivalent to 240,000 U.S. dollars. Excluding maintenance fees, labor costs, port fees, etc., if you earn 150,000 U.S. dollars a year, it will be enough to cover 80% of the ship price.
But Chen Zexi said with a smile: "How can such a good thing happen! The maintenance cost of an old ship is huge, and maintenance is a waste of time; even the port inspection stipulates that it should be inspected once a year, which takes half a month and insurance premiums.
.However, according to the current market situation, you can definitely earn back an old boat in two years, or even in one and a half years. If you encounter a 'good market', you will make a lot of money."
One thing he didn't mention was that because this route is more risky, the charges are higher.
Lin Zhichao is very familiar with "the market is good"!
If the market is really good, Lin Zhichao estimates that he can earn back a new ship in two years, and it will be a new ship with 80% loan (an extra interest payment).
For example, "The Peninsula War led to a shipping shortage in the Far East," "Egypt closed the Suez River in 1956," and "The Third Middle East War in 1967." These were all booming profits for shipping, and they lasted for several years.
From the late 1950s to the early 1960s, shipping was slightly depressed, but it was not really a cold winter.
To sum up, in the nearly forty years after World War II, shipping was still good.
When they met for the first time, Lin Zhichao didn't ask too many detailed questions. He only asked a few layman's questions so as not to arouse Chen Zexi's dissatisfaction.
On the contrary, Chen Zexi seemed to be very happy to talk, and sometimes took the initiative to pour out some information, fearing that Lin Zhichao would underestimate him. After all, he could pretend to be in front of such a big boss, and his heart was satisfied.
A week later, the ship of Li Gaofu and others had already approached Weihaiwei. For the sake of safety, Li Gaofu decided to use a small boat to go to Shidao to confirm the transaction details. It would not waste much time anyway.
Li Gaofu and Huang Tinggui made an appointment and took a small boat to Shidao with a staff member.
"Comrade, I am a trader from Hong Kong. I heard that you have started trading here, so I came to ask!" As soon as he landed, Li Gaofu was caught by the soldiers and explained quickly.
The soldier looked at the sea and said, "Where is your big ship? Why is it just a small boat?"
He is very vigilant, has a serious tone, and has a faint murderous look on his face. He is obviously a hero.
Fortunately, at this time, a man who looked like a cadre came to a few people and asked: "What's going on?"
"Director Wang, these two said they were businessmen from Hong Kong, but they arrived in Hong Kong in a small boat."
Director Wang immediately understood the situation. These Hong Kong businessmen did not trust them, so they parked the ship on the sea and sent people to contact them first. Once they had problems, the ship would sail back to Hong Kong, and no one would dare to trade anymore.
"This is our guest! Please invite both of you to our office for a meeting."
You must know that Li Gaofu and others were the first wave of merchants to trade in Shidao. If they could not provide satisfactory trading methods, other traders in Hong Kong might give up.
With the economy blocked by the United States and the Republic of China, it is obvious that doing so will delay major events.
In fact, Li Gaofu also knew this, so he also seized this point and took the initiative in negotiations.
Businessmen are all profit-seeking, and the risk of this trip is much higher than that of the general industry. Naturally, the price cannot be low, otherwise who will risk being bombarded by G warships to trade in the JF area.