Lin Zhichao came to Japan and reached a contract extension with Yamaguchi Steamship for two ships of 10,000 tons and one of 15,000 tons. He directly renewed the contract for three years, which was due to expire in February 1957, instead of pursuing a two-and-a-half-year lease.
Because he predicted that the 'Suez Crisis' in 1956 would cause the Suez Canal to be closed for a full year, which should end in June or July of 1957.
Therefore, if the contract is signed like this, Yamaguchi Steamship will be in a hurry to renew the contract at the end of 1956, for fear that the ship will be leased to someone else. The price is naturally very good. If you renew the contract for three years at a high price, you will make a lot of money.
Lin Zhichao understands the shipping cycle and will naturally calculate the best charter period, so he can earn more in this regard. If a ship expires in 1956 but the Suez crisis has not yet broken out, he will insist on one-way short-term chartering for a while, for many reasons, such as a major maintenance.
As for customers, they don't know that, and they don't care about the length of the lease period. They care more about the 'current price' and 'whether it will be used in the next few years'; they also don't know what Global Shipping is planning, so There will be no doubt at all.
At the same time, Lin Zhichao plans to purchase a large number of oil tankers in July. By then, Global Shipping will have more than 18 million US dollars in funds and no debt. After using its own funds to buy a batch of oil tankers, he quickly completed contracts with European and American oil companies. Then go to HSBC to borrow a huge amount of money to carry out the second round of expansion.
He is not worried that European and American oil companies will not rent. Global Shipping enjoys a good reputation in the Far East. At the same time, the low price is the biggest advantage, and it can also be rented for a long time. No one wants to save costs.
"Mr. Lin, your fleet is developing very quickly. This is due to your refreshing and unconcerned work style. We Japanese like to do business with you!" Tatsuro Yamashita, the president of Yamaguchi Steamship, said happily .
The rent for these three ships three years ago was US$2.8 million per year, but now the rent is only US$1.6 million per year, which is quite a bargain. If it were operated by a Japanese team, it would cost 900,000 to 1 million U.S. dollars in annual operating expenses, and it would take three years to recover the capital.
Accidents on second-hand ships are prone to occur, and one major accident is enough to cause huge losses.
Lin Zhichao knew that the Japanese liked to be shrewd and calculate small profits, so he often satisfied some of their appetites; but he calculated the Japanese and gained big profits. As a result, he not only made a lot of money, but also gained fame and credibility in the Japanese business world. Why? What fun but not doing it!
"Of course cooperation must be a win-win situation. This is my business philosophy!"
"Haha, I like your way of doing things."
Although the annual rent for the three ships this time is only US$1.65 million per year, Lin Zhichao has calculated that Global Shipping can control the operating expenses at US$750,000 per year; therefore, there is still a profit of US$900,000.
The funds used to purchase these three ships were only US$2.1 million (which has already been paid back three times), which means that the money was earned in just over two years, which is pretty good. What's more, his goal is to get a high-priced three-year lease in three years.
Although these ships are old, they can definitely last until the mid-1960s. By then, Lin Zhichao originally planned to gradually phase out second-hand freighters. By the early 1970s, the ships under his command would all be 'new ships', 'large tonnage', and biased Oil tankers, container ships, lowered bulk carriers.
After the contract was settled, Lin Zhichao and Yamashita Tatsuro also chatted. In fact, both of them were 'shipping experts'.
Yamaguchi Steamship is a shipping company, and its business is actually the transportation industry; Global Shipping also has such a business, but its main business is ship leasing, but there are also non-Japanese shipping companies that rent their ships.
During the chat, Lin Zhichao asked about something: "President Yamashita, I heard that a lot of supplies from the US military stationed in Japan were auctioned in Japan after the war. I wonder if you have any acquaintances, and I would like to do some such business on the side!"
Making money is an art, and it is the last word to take it all. What's more, if it's cranes, mountain diggers, bulldozers, military jeeps and other supplies, there is no shortage of sales channels in Hong Kong. As long as he transports them to Hong Kong, he can make a lot of money. At the same time, Lin Zhichao also planned to strengthen the development of the real estate industry, so he wanted to establish construction companies, quarry companies, etc., and there was a huge demand for these equipment.
From November last year to now, due to the changes in the international situation, Southeast Asia is undergoing a crackdown, which has caused Southeast Asian capital to run crazily towards Hong Kong. The inflow of funds almost every month is hundreds of millions of Hong Kong dollars. The inflow of these funds into Hong Kong will drive the rise of real estate and stock markets, because all money cannot be saved and must be invested, and real estate and stocks are the simplest investments.
Because of this, land prices are currently rising in Hong Kong, but property prices have not.
Yamashita Tatsuro said cheerfully: "Leave this matter to me, and I will definitely introduce Mr. Lin to contacts in this field."
Although the U.S. military stationed in Japan is conducting the auction, the property rights belong to Americans, so it is not only open to the Japanese business community, but to businessmen from all over the world. However, after all, Japan has local advantages, so Japanese officials are in charge.
However, many machines are not very scarce in Japan because they can make them themselves, which naturally gives opportunities to other businessmen in Asia. For Lin Zhichao, the tax rate for importing these things back to Hong Kong is very low, because Hong Kong is a free port and only imposes heavy taxes on a few products; and as Hong Kong's real estate develops, there will naturally be a high demand for equipment.
In any case, as long as there is a way to make this money, he can make it easily, and he can also set up his own real estate-related company for free.
Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "Then please trouble President Yamashita. If you come to Hong Kong another day, I will give you a warm reception!"
Yamashita Tatsuro said easily: "Mr. Lin, you're welcome. We have been friends for many years. This little thing is nothing!"
When he negotiated the rental price, he acted very shrewdly. As soon as the negotiation was concluded, Yamashita Tatsuro would become very enthusiastic and would personally accompany Lin Zhichao to dinner every time.
Business and private matters are kept very separate, which Lin Zhichao also appreciates.
On the contrary, Toshio Kawamoto of Sanko Kisen was a bit "sinister and cunning" and adopted the shameful method of X bribery; of course, Lin Zhichao did not suffer any loss in the negotiations.
A week later.
Lin Zhichao took Lu Bensheng, general manager of the Yangtze River Trading Company, to a government department in Okinawa, Japan, and found a Japanese official, Yoshida Ichiro.
"Mr. Lin, your name is well-known in the Japanese business community, but if you want to do this business, you need to meet a condition!" Yoshida Ichiro said enthusiastically.
The two got together today through the introduction of Tatsuro Yamashita, so they knew each other somewhat.
Lin Zhichao said: "But these materials cannot be transported to the mainland?"
Ichiro Yoshida said with a smile: "That's the condition. If you can agree, I will go through the procedures for you immediately. Of course, you still need to go to the US Consulate to get the approval document. I will help you!"
He was so enthusiastic because of Yamashita Tatsuro's face and Lin Zhichao's identity.
Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Of course there is no problem with this. In fact, I mainly like some large machinery such as cranes, mountaineering machines, bulldozers, etc. for my own real estate business. I am not a full-time international trader. I just do it on the side."
This is indeed the case, he owns a large warehouse on Paterson Street, which can be filled with many of these supplies. In addition to self-use equipment, the Yangtze River trade can handle a lot in Xiangjiang.
As soon as Ichiro Yoshida heard this, he no longer had any questions and began to guide them through the procedures. Of course, the approval of the purchase of supplies from the U.S. Consulate is the most important, followed by the Japanese government officials in charge of the auction.
At the same time, Ichiro Yoshida took the time to say: "It's just that the auction of these materials has an uncertain time, and it is an auction in installments. The time may span several years. How are you going to get the news!" After saying that, he looked at Lin Zhichao and Lu Bensheng with a smile. Two people.
Who is Lin Zhichao? When Ichiro Yoshida made such a statement, he was naturally asking for benefits.
Of course, if it is just an information problem, there is no need for Ichiro Yoshida at all. He has offices and staff in Japan, and he only needs to inspect and inquire. But it is obvious that Ichiro Yoshida cannot be kept busy.
Giving gifts directly can easily lead to trouble. After all, this is a government office, so Lin Zhichao said: "Why don't I invite Mr. Yoshida to have a drink with me tonight and let's talk in detail."
When Ichiro Yoshida heard this, he smiled brightly and said, "If Mr. Lin invites you, I will naturally come."
Lin Zhichao added: "Why don't you choose a good place, Mr. Yoshida?"
Yoshida Ichiro was a little bit happy again. The flower girl he had always been thinking about was able to visit today. Afterwards, everyone agreed on the location.
After walking out of the door, Lin Zhichao told Lu Bensheng some things. He would not participate in the whole process and let his subordinates do the dirty things.
"Boss, since you have come in person and spent so much energy, why not be more bold in this aspect of your business. Hong Kong is a free trade port, and the profits from this kind of parallel import are very large, and it is a good channel to make money!" Lu Bensheng suggested.
He felt a pity when he heard that his boss only wanted to make a small fuss, mainly to serve the boss's real estate business.
Lin Zhichao patted him on the shoulder and said: "As long as you have the ability to do it, I will give you money if you need it, and I will give you people if you need people. If you make money, I will not treat you badly, and I will not be stingy with the bonus. How about it, yes no confidence?"
Lu Bensheng has many years of trading experience, so there is no reason to back down. What's more, he understands that as long as the boss gets the approval, there will be many Hong Kong businessmen begging to buy supplies.
Approval is the hardest part!
Without information channels, connections with government officials, and a good background, it is difficult to do this business.
"Boss, I am confident that I can do this business for the company. After all, Yangtze River Trading is full of talents and it will not affect other businesses."
"Then do it boldly from now on, I'm optimistic about you!"
Lin Zhichao is the kind of boss who lets his subordinates do things boldly. If they don't do well, he will suffer losses and go bankrupt. It's not his main business anyway, so he won't feel bad about it, but the corresponding management may lower it a few notches in his mind; if it's done well, , he rewards the overall team.
Lu Bensheng nodded seriously, with enthusiasm on his face. The trade they have always done has been to serve the group. Now this trade is obviously easier to use.
However, Lin Zhichao still warned: "Don't trade directly with the mainland. I don't want our relationship with the United States to get worse. Don't bid too much at the auction house and stay rational."
If you want to make other people's money, you must abide by other people's rules.
Lu Bensheng nodded and said, "Don't worry, boss, I know this."
Hong Kong is a free trade port. It has businessmen from all over the world, and they can make a lot of money selling supplies to Southeast Asia.
That night, Lin Zhichao and Lu Bensheng entertained Yoshida Ichiro at the geisha house, and gave him another generous gift the next morning. In this way, Ichiro Yoshida will naturally do things enthusiastically and without any neglect.
After all, the introducer of both parties is also a well-known figure in the Japanese economic circle-Tatsuro Yamashita.
In a bar in Germany, Hans came to the bar with a group of friends as usual, preparing to order a glass of wine and start the day's nightlife.
"The girl yesterday was so beautiful. It's a pity that I didn't ask for her contact information, otherwise I would have caught her!" Hans said bluffingly to his friends.
The friends immediately laughed, and Thomas said: "Hans, stop bragging. No one else will give you their contact information. How could she like a thin body like yours? From the look of her, she should like me as tall as me." With such a figure, if you hadn’t taken the first step, I might have won it!”
Hans looked at Thomas's strong figure. Although he admitted it in his heart, he still said mercilessly: "It's a pity that you have grown so tall in vain, but you don't have the courage. Even if she stands in front of you, you still have the courage." Say goodbye? Haha!"
They are all workers in the factory. They have just received their wages recently, so they naturally come to the bar to drink and hunt for women. The monthly salary can be spent almost these days, leaving only some living expenses.
"Hey, Jones, what is this?" Hans and others were immediately attracted to the beautiful 'Bee Lily' on the bar.
She was so beautiful, with golden hair, a tube top princess dress, and slightly rosy cheeks, she looked like a young girl in love with spring.
The bartender Jones said with a smile: "This is Miss Bea Lilly. There is her brochure next to it. You can take a look!"
For a moment, it attracted the attention of several people in front of the bar!
Hans flipped through the booklet immediately, and his eyes fell on Beer Lily from time to time, as if he had met his sweetheart.
The booklet is in the form of a comic, and the content is roughly:
Opening theme - Welcome to the world of Bea Lilly.
Segment 1: Bierlili said to a middle-aged lady: "Can you give me the contact information of this rich and handsome man?" What follows?
Segment 2: Bierlili read a newspaper. The newspaper said that there was a very rich middle-aged man who wanted to find a mistress. This was his only wish during his lifetime.
Segment 3: Bierlili said to her best friend, the zodiac sign says that I will have a conflict with my partner today, if only I knew which one it was? ? ?
Throughout the comic book, Bea Lilly is a woman full of doubts, an adult doll, and a wife.
In this way, it touched the man's heart even more.
"What an interesting comic book, what a beautiful Beer Lily!" Hans said in surprise.
"I like beauties like Beale Lily. It would be great if I could meet one. By the way, Jones, is this Beale Lily for sale?" Thomas pointed to the Beale Lily doll that Hans took in his hand. Said wistfully.
"Of course for sale! A Beer doll costs 3 US dollars (equivalent), and a set of clothes costs 1 to 5 US dollars."
"Are there any costumes?"
Jones Y smiled and said: "Of course, you can enjoy changing Beer Lily's clothes, as well as sexy lingerie and lace!"
For a moment, a group of bachelors were eager to buy it.
The guest house of the bar is naturally full of smiles. For selling a Beer doll, the bar can get 0.7 US dollars; for selling a set of clothes, the bar can get 0.3 to 1.2 US dollars in profit; much more than a glass of wine!
That night, the ladies realized that they had fallen out of favor. The men did not come up to buy them a drink. Instead, they gathered around and talked and laughed, feeling very at ease.
In this way, some ladies couldn't bear it anymore and stepped forward to see what happened.
But when they saw the beautiful Beer doll, the ladies also loved it.
"Hans, can you give me this Bierlili? I can agree to go on a date with you!" A fat woman expressed her love to Hans.
Hans looked at the beautiful and alluring Bierlili in his hand, and then at the plump Lisa, and immediately shook his head and said, "Of course not!"
Lisa was stunned. When did her charm become less than that of a doll? Damn Hans! Have you forgotten that you dated yourself before?
Schreider Toy Company.
Gauss walked into the office building and was about to ask Bierlili about the market response.
Seeing the spacious office building, Gauss actually didn't understand whether the partner was too confident. Schreider Toy Company has a professional CEO, toy designer team, marketing team, etc., with a total of twelve employees. If Bi'erlili doesn't sell well enough, the salaries of these people alone will be enough to put the company in debt.
"Chairman Gauss, many toy manufacturers have called and asked for cooperation. Our Bierlili became an instant hit in German bars and became the goddess of men and the idol of women." When President Muto saw Gauss, he Told the great news.
Gauss asked in surprise: "Really, so the 50,000 Bi'er Lily in the warehouse can be sold?"
Muto said: "There is absolutely no problem! If nothing happens, it may even be time to order from Hong Kong in one or two months!"
Gauss was very excited. If Beer Lily could sell 100,000 units in the first year, that would already be an extremely good result. Because he also communicated with Lin Zhichao, Beer Lily needs to cultivate IP for a long time.
Of course, Gauss didn't invest much money. The total investment in Schreider Toys was less than US$50,000.
"Okay, CEO Muto, I hope your team will promote and cultivate the character of Beer Lily."
"no problem!"
In addition to receiving a fixed salary, Muto and other team members also have 10% incentive equity and the right to enjoy dividends.
So, positivity is totally fine.
And these, Lin Zhichao, who is far away in Hong Kong, can understand the dynamics through remote control command.
(End of chapter)
