In mid-July, thunderstorms finally hit Hong Kong. Although the amount of rain was not much, it at least alleviated the drought.
Hong Kong's draft still relies on the mainland, and ships travel from Hong Kong to Guangdong and the Pearl River Estuary every day. Almost all the fresh water resources in the Pearl River Estuary are used for industrial water. After all, if Hong Kong had no industry, it would become an abandoned port. The 20,000 tons of fresh water supplied by Guangdong every day is the domestic water for Hong Kong people.
Lin Zhichao came to the Yangtze River Industrial Park. He inspected the production of plastic flowers, accompanied by Wang Liang and Tao Derong.
Tao Derong said unabashedly: "The demand for plastic flowers in Europe and the United States has continued to fall, and it has fallen more sharply than expected. This year we have reduced production capacity again. It is expected that there will only be 4,000 workers left by the end of the year. For the part with insufficient production capacity, we will use OEM to produce some workers and The machines were taken to the Yangtze Toy Factory to produce some parts and products for them.”
Toys are businesses with strong value-added properties. Although Barbie's profits are stable, its output is steadily increasing; what's more, the Rubik's Cube has also begun to sell well. Therefore, the number of workers in the Yangtze Toy Factory increased again to more than 6,000.
The rapid decline of plastic flowers at this time was unexpected by Lin Zhichao.
Plastic flowers in this life were two to three years earlier than in the previous life and became popular all over the world. Once the aesthetic fatigue, the popularity will naturally decrease. Therefore, the situation of plastic flowers in 1963 in this life is actually the situation in 1965 in the previous life. At that time, Li Jiacheng was already thinking about his retreat.
Of course, the decline of plastic flowers is a process, and the Yangtze Plastic Factory may not go bankrupt until around 1966.
"Through the model of reducing production year by year, we finally gave up the production of plastic flowers in 1966 and handed over the orders to peers or agency models. Our losses will be minimized." Lin Zhichao said to the group's deputy general manager and subsidiary general manager.
The Yangtze Plastics Factory's escape was inseparable from the group's dispatch and overall planning.
"Okay, we understand!"
Later, Lin Zhichao said: "By the way, Manager Wang! Is our Rubik's Cube export growing rapidly recently?"
Wang Liang immediately said: "Yes, in January and February this year, the agency company Audrey Toys Company participated in the Rubik's Cube at the International Toy Fair in New York, Paris, and London, which immediately attracted the attention of global distributors. Starting from May, our output of exporting Rubik's cubes has increased significantly, and we can currently export about 30,000 cubes per month."
The Rubik's Cube is very profitable because it contains patented technology. Lin Zhichao gave the Rubik's Cube to Audrey Toy Company as an agent because of their channels and influence.
Although you have to get a share of the pie, if you let a Hong Kong company promote it, it will consume a lot of energy, but the effect may not be good. What's more, Audrey and Lin Zhichao hold 60% of the shares of this company, which means that this company belongs to the Lin family.
He and Audrey could immediately get rid of the management team headed by Rich if they wanted to, and both parties knew this.
Lin Zhichao even intended to train Lin Ruidong to work at Audrey Company after graduation, and then quickly gain power. After all, Audrey Toy Company also belongs to the cultural industry. If he can rise to the top with his talents, he can flex his muscles in the United States in the future.
"How is the development progress of the fourth-level Rubik's Cube?"
"I heard from Dr. Aibik that great progress has been made and it is expected to apply for a patent within a year."
Lin Zhichao nodded. In order to obtain the patent for the fourth- and fifth-order Rubik's Cube, Yangtze Toy Factory set up a R&D center in London, moved the Rubik's Cube R&D laboratory there, and invited professors from the Department of Architecture in London to jointly develop the fourth-order Rubik's Cube. rubik's cube.
For a Rubik's Cube, Yangtze Toy Factory can earn more than 3 US dollars. If the sales volume in the past three years can exceed 2 million, it will be a fortune of 7 to 8 million US dollars, a full 40 million Hong Kong dollars.
A product becomes a profitable enterprise. The reason why the profits are high is because Audrey Toys Company is just an agent, and its profits are not even as high as those of the Yangtze River Toy Factory. And a Rubik's Cube itself is expensive!
Maybe, the Rubik's Cube can make up for the losses of plastic flowers and wigs, and continue to make Yangtze River Industry a large industrial group with annual profits of more than 100 million.
When I returned home from get off work in the evening, Deep Water Bay was once again crowded with three wives, nine children, and concubines, making it very lively. Every summer vacation, Audrey Hepburn always takes Lin Ruidong and Lin Ruinan to Hong Kong for a month's vacation, and this year is no exception; Lin Zhichao's eldest son Lin Ruihuan also returned to Hong Kong from New York. This is his first trip after studying abroad for a year. Returned to Hong Kong for summer vacation.
When the master returned home, Lin Zhichao saw that Lin Ruidong was very active in front of his brothers and sisters, and did not feel strange at all. He immediately felt very relieved. He must pay attention to the sense of belonging of his two mixed-race sons.
When I walked in again, I found Lin Ruidong playing with the Rubik's Cube. He was very proud to show it in front of everyone, and he recovered in a short time.
"Awesome, Ruidong, with your speed, you are the most powerful Rubik's Cube player I have ever seen!" Lin Ruihuan praised in surprise.
He also played Rubik's Cube, and he was pretty good at it, but he was by no means as good as Lao Wu.
Lin Ruidong said proudly: "There are many rules for playing Rubik's Cube. I have summarized many formulas and rules, so I can be so fast! My brothers are just playing casually, so naturally they cannot match my speed." The previous words are full of meaning. Proud and proud, but the words behind them are also humble and friendly.
This guy is really good!
Lin Zhichao joined the conversation at this time and said: "Ruidong, tell us, how many laws and formulas have you summarized?"
Lin Ruidong suddenly became more energetic after joining his father in the camp. He first found paper and pen and explained it to everyone in a decent manner!
Similar to the 'LBL solution (Structured Language Teaching Method)', although there are many flaws, it is definitely amazing; don't forget, Lin Ruidong is only nine years old, and it is already very good to have such creativity and thinking!
"Bah bang bang"
Lin Zhichao finally took the lead in applauding. In fact, there were several women joining the team. They were all curious about what Lin Zhichao and the children were doing!
Lin Ruidong was immediately inspired and said excitedly: "Actually, there are many solutions to this Rubik's Cube. I am also researching it. Maybe I will have more ideas in the future."
Audrey Hepburn couldn't help but said: "Only when your studies are not delayed can you spend more energy on research, otherwise you are not allowed to waste time!"
Who says Europeans and Americans don’t pay attention to their studies?
That is simply wrong. Europeans and Americans also have elite education, but they also focus on the development of thinking and hobbies.
Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Ruidong, I want to do a business with you!"
The women were confused!
The kids are so curious!
Lin Ruidong said very excitedly: "Dad, what business do you want to do with me?"
Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "I need you to write a book "You Can Restore the Rubik's Cube" and publish it in Europe and the United States! I will ask your mother to support you financially and even provide you with some support; if this book sells well In the end, the profits you get are yours to control, and of course you have to let your mother watch them. You can choose to invest or buy items, as long as they don't go too far, it's all your control."
Lin Ruidong became excited again and said, "This is simply wonderful! Dad, do you think I will publish a book?"
Lin Zhichao smiled and said: "Why don't you be optimistic! Originally, children play more with Rubik's Cube, and you are a master at playing Rubik's Cube. I think there is a great hope for success. Maybe the sales can exceed one million, and then you will be The world’s smallest millionaire.”
Lin Ruidong felt that today was so wonderful that he encountered such a good thing!
After a long time, he noticed something was wrong and said: "I said you wanted to do business with me, but it seems you didn't get any benefits! I know that there must be traps in unfair business!"
Lin Zhichao laughed and then nodded to Lin Ruihuan: "Boss, tell me what I got!"
Lin Ruihuan thought for a while and said: "If this book becomes popular and sells 1 million copies, then the sales volume of the Rubik's Cube will naturally increase a lot, and Lao Dou will naturally make money from the Rubik's Cube."
Only then did Lin Ruidong realize that he was only nine years old after all, so how could he know how cunning adults can be.
Of course, he still said excitedly: "This is fair! Cooperation is a win-win situation!"
Audrey said with some worry: "I can invest in you writing a book, but you must ensure that your homework will not fall behind, otherwise I might as well invest in other children writing books."
Lin Ruidong immediately said: "Mommy, I'm very good at my homework and I won't fall behind!"
After receiving the assurance, Audrey Hepburn officially relented. Her wealth is increasing day by day, and she knows that Lin Zhichao is good at business, so how can she not think about the future.
If his eldest son graduates from a prestigious school, he can introduce him to Audrey Toy Company, train him to become the president, and successfully control the company.
The family is enjoying themselves, there seems to be no conflict, and even the children get along well.
Lin Zhichao began to admire his own charm, and the three women took care of themselves obediently.
Of course, they also have huge wealth and many companies, otherwise the three women would be more or less intrigued. It's different now. Tang Caiyun and Xu Caiying have been good sisters since they were young. In addition, Lin Zhichao intends that one controls the sea and the air, and the other controls the mainland. There is no conflict between the two women. And Audrey Hepburn joined this family, which made it impossible for her to come to Hong Kong. The idea of fighting for family property is also involved in starting one's own business overseas.
Without conflicts of interest regarding assets, everything can be done naturally; and Lin Zhichao's super physique made the three women put aside everything, and finally merged into one and became good sisters.
More than half a month later, Lin Zhichao was notified that he would be awarded a knighthood by the Queen and invited him to attend the awarding ceremony in London.
He did not expect that he was still complaining some time ago that the British royal family was a bit stingy. With his current contribution to Hong Kong and his influence in the world, he was fully capable of granting him a 'knight title', but the London royal family was delayed in granting it, which seemed very strange. mean.
Unexpectedly, it would come true so quickly, and Lin Zhichao could finally be called 'Sir Lin'.
Of course, Lin Zhichao does not allow his subordinates to call him this. He prefers the titles of 'Boss' and 'BOSS'. If it were other businessmen and friends, it wouldn't matter. It would be appropriate to call him 'Sir Lin'.
After arriving in London, Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn returned to their manors and rested for two days before attending the investiture ceremony.
"Congratulations to Sir Lin, for being awarded the honor by the Queen personally!" During dinner, the butler Ramsey said respectfully.
Lin Zhichao said curiously: "Butler Ramsey, how did you know this news?"
Ramsey said with a smile: "The news has spread in London and I have some channels in this regard."
Lin Zhichao nodded and said, "Thank you!"
The status of butlers is different from that of ordinary servants. They need to gain trust and favor from each other, otherwise it will be difficult to work with them. After Ramsey became Lin Zhichao and Audrey's housekeeper, he would arrange some work every time Lin Zhichao came to London.
Ramsey smiled and said: "You're welcome! By the way, Sir Lin, there is a Sotheby's auction in London. I heard that there is a collection of Chinese antiques. I wonder if you are interested and have the time?"
Lin Zhichao couldn't help but sigh that Ramsey was very popular with people. He had also been to antique streets in London and explored Chinese antiques and collections. From this point, Ramsey could see some of Lin Zhichao's thoughts.
"On a specific day, let me see if the time is available?"
"August 10th, the day after you attend the investiture ceremony!"
Lin Zhichao immediately said: "Then sign up for me! I'll take Audrey to have a look. I hope I can gain something!"
Over the years, he has gradually accumulated a lot of collection knowledge, and gradually collected some porcelain, calligraphy and paintings, etc. At the same time, he pays more attention to the proceeds from the auction. First, the authenticity is guaranteed, and second, the higher the auction price, the greater the prospect of collection.
Audrey Hepburn said at this time: "Butler Ramsay, if there is such an auction in the future, can I entrust you to participate in it and take pictures of Chinese antiques and collections?"
She wanted to please her man, so she planned to use her own money to satisfy Lin Zhichao's collection wish.
Ramsey said respectfully: "Thank you, Madam Sir, for your trust. I can report to you by phone when the time comes. If you have time, you can attend in person. If you don't have time, I can be of service to you."
Audrey Hepburn suddenly said happily: "That's great! I know you are also a person who knows about collections. You can also serve as our collection consultant in the future!"
Ramsey said: "It's an honor!"
Lin Zhichao didn't object. He actually didn't want to spend too much energy on collecting. If he was interested, he would collect some and then put them away. After all, there are so many ways for him to make money that there is no reason to spend time on collecting.
Now Audrey Hepburn is currying favor with him and using her own funds to buy him a collection. This is not only a sign of her love for Lin Zhichao, but also a sign of her strong financial resources.
Her annual dividend is several million dollars, so there is no shortage of money. And her total net worth is as high as 100 million US dollars, which she thinks is very powerful.
Later, Lin Zhichao and Audrey Hepburn officially enjoyed food and wine.
Audrey also knows that Lin Zhichao likes to collect red wine and enjoy delicious food, so the manor has a lot of red wine collections, such as Romanée-Conti, Lafite, etc., which are piled up in the wine cellar. What may cost tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands in later generations is only worth tens or hundreds of pounds in this era.
Of course, collecting these wines has nothing to do with money. Lin Zhichao will definitely use them all to enjoy and give away in the future.
Audrey Hepburn looked very beautiful tonight. Her dress was almost similar to the princess dress in "Roman Holiday". She was so noble and elegant, and the whiteness on her chest made people salivate.
"Who is the designer of this costume?" Lin Zhichao was a little jealous.
This dress looks like it was designed by a hand and not mass-produced.
Audrey Hepburn said instinctively: "Givenchy." Then seeing Lin Zhichao's appearance, she added with a smile: "I paid him to design it. I will ask him to design clothes regularly, and then the most important thing is to wear them for you to see." . You know, I am a sociable person, I rarely socialize, and I like family life."
She was worried that Lin Zhichao was jealous and ignored the free character of Westerners, so she made a series of explanations.
Lin Zhichao then said deliberately and generously: "I just think it looks good! Givenchy is a great fashion designer. You can make each other successful. A large part of his fame back then came from the fact that you wore the clothes he designed, and he designed The outfit really suits you very well.”
Audrey Hepburn no longer had any worries and was in a very happy mood. She is very good at taking care of Lin Zhichao's mood. As a woman of Eastern men, she requires herself to keep a certain distance from other men. She will not let herself get drunk or be alone with other men. In addition, she does not like socializing and prefers Playing with children, so now in the Western mainstream media, she does not have too many scandals and gossips. Instead, she has become 'Barbie's mother', 'Hollywood's best actress with successful transformation', and 'the most successful businesswoman' One', 'Toy Queen' and other titles.
"Honey, why don't we dance!" Audrey Hepburn always wanted to show her charm and make this man like her.
"Of course, you are so dressed up today, I am honored to dance with you!" Lin Zhichao said gentlemanly.
Immediately, the butler was arranged to play music, and Lin Zhichao came to Audrey Hepburn and extended his hand like a gentleman.
His dancing posture is very good, which he has learned for many years. After all, if you want to be in love and have fun, why not learn more skills.
Later, Lin Zhichao danced in the castle with his arms around Audrey Hepburn. The housekeeper and the servant were their audience, showing expressions of appreciation from time to time.
Although Audrey Hepburn was a goddess, these servants also understood Lin Zhichao's noble status, not to mention the fact that he was about to become a 'Jazz' in the Commonwealth, but more importantly, Lin Zhichao's wealth and business influence.
Audrey Hepburn was not aggrieved at all when she became his lover, this was what everyone thought. Of course, the reason why they have this idea is probably related to Lin Zhichao's personality charm.
After a while, Audrey Hepburn was sweating a little, and she said affectionately: "Husband, if you really want to let go of your charm, both Eastern and Western women will fall for you!"
Lin Zhichao's eyes are electric and always attract women. Even he knows this.
The king of Australia in his previous life said about himself: "There is no woman I can't catch!"
If Lin Zhichao is asked to evaluate himself: "There is no need to chase women!"
Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "It's a pity that I won't let go of my charm! Because I'm worried that if those women can't get rid of them, then I will be in trouble!"
Audrey Hepburn laughed and said after a long time: "You also know this is a trouble!"
She didn't doubt Lin Zhichao's words, it was absolutely true. But she knew that Lin Zhichao didn't like trouble. She was very satisfied with the current three wives and nine children, and she didn't want to cause any trouble for the time being. From Lin Zhichao's attitude in nurturing his children, we can understand that this man is carefully nurturing the 'Lin family'.
Soon, Lin Zhichao walked towards the upstairs bedroom with Audrey Hepburn in his arms. He was destined not to waste the clothes Givenchy designed for his woman tonight.
(End of chapter)
