After practicing the exercises, Zhu Xuefeng was dripping with sweat and took a hot bath. Although he was not accompanied by a beautiful woman, he still slept very comfortably.
But far away in the capital, Minister Ding couldn't sleep. This matter was of great importance. I didn't know much about it at first. I just thought that this decision was a bit hasty, but now I know that there is a big problem.
"No, I have to report to the chief. This matter cannot be delayed."
Minister Ding got up and groped in the dark to start looking for clothes.
"Old man, it's already past eleven o'clock, why are you still fussing about it? Why don't you decide if you can go to work tomorrow?"
"No, I have something on my mind and can't sleep at all. This matter is too serious, something might happen. I have to report it to the chief overnight.”
The minister’s wife reached out and pulled the switch on the bedside, and the light came on.
"I really impressed you. Slow down. I'll call the driver class. I won't let you rest at this late hour. You and me."
"Don't call the driver class. I It only takes half an hour to ride there.”
“I don’t take a rest myself, and I don’t let others take a rest. The leader even took a rest even if he didn’t want to. Besides, now that you have spoken out, you feel at ease and can sleep. Then it will be the chief’s turn to be unable to sleep.”
"The chief doesn't go to bed so early. I heard Xiao Wu say that the chief doesn't go to bed until three or four in the morning. Alas, you are right. If this was reported to the chief, he would not be able to sleep."
Minister Ding hesitated a little, "Forget it, let's talk about it tomorrow. Nothing will change overnight. I'm too impatient."
Minister Ding didn't take off his clothes and took it out of his pocket. Smoke.
“I’ll go downstairs for a walk, smoke a cigarette and then come back up.”
“You are addicted to cigarettes, go ahead, go ahead, you have to smoke in the middle of the night, your body is naturally "I'll be here in a few years. I'll see what excuses you have then."
Minister Ding smiled, opened the door and went downstairs. Whenever he was in doubt, he always had a habit of tapping. Smoking has been criticized by my wife for many years. When I retire, I really have no excuse.
Also struggling and having to get up was Sir Bailey Ji who was far away in Xiangjiang. He was getting angry with the man in front of him with an impatient expression. The man was obviously a young guard, who was helplessly bowing his head to be trained.
"William, you'd better stay away from me, don't you know it's abominable to interrupt an old man's rest."
"Sir, I apologize to you for my behavior, Mr. Charman is waiting in the front hall."
"Damn Charman, why bother me so late? If there is nothing important, I will let him go back to the island to fish."
Sir Bridget hated having his rest disturbed. Because he was injured when he was young, his rest was not very good. Today he was woken up just after he fell asleep with a hint of red wine.
"Take him to the study to wait for me. Damn it, I have to take some medicine first. If you disturb an old man's rest so late, you will be judged."
The guard was already dejected. After leaving, Sir Bailiji was still complaining. In fact, he knew very well that it was his request to let Charman report the news when he had news. He could not blame others. The unbearable experience more than ten years ago had seriously affected his health. I was extremely unhappy with this awakening.
Seeing Sir Bailiji come in, Charman bowed respectfully and saluted.
"Dear Sir, I'm sorry to bother you at this time."
"Tell me, what's the news? What did Dongsheng Company do in Fuso?"
Sir Brigitte motioned for Charman to sit down. This was his assistant for nearly twenty years. The Sir would not express his dissatisfaction with him. He had already vented his anger.
“Our people investigated and found that Dongsheng Company indeed sent people to Fukuoka to negotiate with the Yagawa family. Judging from the public information, they should have reached a preliminary agreement.”
Jazz adjusted his position on the luxurious seat uncomfortably, and then asked.
“Do you know the content of the agreement?”
"I'm sorry, we can't see the agreement, but we know from the published information that Fukuoka Terminal will be sold to Dongsheng Company for US$1.5 million. It is said that the shipyard in Fukuoka will also receive a cargo ship order from Dongsheng Company. The specific amount is not clear. It is said that a dock warehouse will be built, the dock will be expanded, and a fertilizer plant will be built near the dock."
Sir's heart beat faster. These news gave him a headache, but he still tried to calm down. Ask feebly.
"What is the estimated investment amount? How many jobs can it provide?"
Mr. Charman also noticed Sir's discomfort, sighed secretly in his heart, and slowed down his speech. A cautious answer.
“According to our estimates, including the construction of factories, terminal expansion and modification, and warehouses, the investment should be no less than six million US dollars, and preliminary estimates can provide 3,000 jobs.”
< br>Sir couldn't hold it back and slapped the armrest of the luxurious seat hard, his expression became excited.
“Three thousand jobs, three thousand jobs, six million US dollars, so many cuties, damn HSBC, these should have stayed in Hong Kong.”
Such a big number suddenly made Sir Bai Liji feel a little defensive. He originally wanted to agree to the acquisition of Dongsheng Company, but after being lobbied by HSBC Bank, he also hesitated. He didn't want Dongsheng to succeed easily. Besides, there are many industries in Xiangjiang that need to be developed. There is indeed no need to invest in the shipbuilding industry anymore. The shipping industry has been in recession for some years, and he is not optimistic about Hong Kong's shipping industry.
HSBC’s suggestion also makes some sense. One Hong Kong may not be able to accommodate the competition of two large terminals. The future development of freight must be the aviation industry, and freight can only be used as a supplement.
Sir Bailiji then agreed and wanted to induce Dongsheng Company to divert its attention or spend more money. Unexpectedly, Dongsheng Company turned around and went to Fusang, which he hated the most, to help the Fusang people build a port.
"Why, why, Dongsheng Company is obviously very optimistic about the development of the aviation industry, why does it need to invest a lot of money in the lonely shipping industry? With this money, wouldn't it be more appropriate to develop more airlines?"
Sir Bailiji Station He stood up and walked back and forth. He was very optimistic about the development of the aviation industry, but not optimistic about the prospects of shipping. This was also the reason for investing in the stock.
“Dear Sir, the representative of Dongsheng Company said that the entire international business will develop rapidly, logistics will become extremely busy, and ocean transportation will also usher in a new revolution, which will significantly reduce transportation costs. It perfectly complements the expensive air transportation.”
“New revolution? What revolution?”
The old jazz keenly grasped the key and asked repeatedly.
Charman shook his head, "They didn't explain, they just emphasized that they have technology that can significantly reduce shipping costs, enough to trigger a revolution in ocean shipping."
"They really So? Why didn't you tell me this? "
"You didn't meet with them, dear Sir. I reported it to you. Maybe my statement was not clear enough and it didn't catch your mind."< br>
Charman explained carefully, Jazz closed his eyes again, and after a while he opened his mouth weakly.
"I remembered it. You seemed to have reminded me that it was my arrogance that lost me and did not discover this problem. It seems that they have indeed found a way to make money by shipping. Old Charman, this is not you ”
After a pause, he tried to sit up straight again, "Do you think what they said is reasonable? Do you think they have really found a technology that is enough to change the cost of shipping, or in other words, enough to lead to a revolution? I There seems to be some doubts. Is there still room for changes in freighters? ""I think what they say may have some truth. I have compiled data from the Port Authority. In the past three years, the throughput of ocean-going freighters traveling to and from Hong Kong has increased by about two percentage points every year. But it increased by 10%."
"What does this mean?"
"Sir, I think it explains two things. , has reversed from the continuous decrease every year in previous years. Secondly, the increase in throughput means that more and more large ships are coming and going. In other words, large ships may become a breakthrough. If so, Dongsheng Company wants to acquire the shipyard. It may indeed bring some orders."
"You mean that they may have mastered the key technology of producing large ocean freighters?"
"Dear Sir, I think it is possible. We already know that the transportation cost of large freighters is indeed lower. There may be ways that we don't know yet to allow freighters to pull more each time. It may also be some kind of engine technology. It can greatly increase the speed of the ship, no matter which one it is, I judge that what he said is true, because he always seems to be very confident. "
"And this Dongsheng company is so profitable. I think how could they go to Fuso without being driven by profit? We are worried that they only focus on the land and use it for their real estate projects. It seems that Dongsheng Company has made a mistake in giving up the two docks and turning around. If Fuso continues to invest in shipping, it is impossible to focus on these two pieces of land. This seems to have nothing to do with the initial worries of the two.
Sir Bailiji thought for a while, "Dear Charman, I am convinced by you. Your analysis is very reasonable. Maybe our vision is not as sharp as these businessmen, maybe it is one of their projects. Technology has made a huge breakthrough, what should we do now? These damn rich people are so casual, why do they choose to go to Fuso?"
Fukuoka is the closest Fuso port to Xiangjiang. The location is special. Although it is not as famous as Osaka, it is very close to the North and South Bangzi and the mainland. If it can bear the ocean freight from Europe and the United States, it does have its own convenience. In addition, Fuso is developing very quickly, and it is very close to Europe and the United States. There is also a lot of cargo exchange. If this becomes the destination for ocean freight, it will have a fatal impact on Hong Kong's shipping industry and seriously affect the development of Hong Kong.
"The other party has not signed a formal document yet. I think we should find an opportunity to talk to HSBC, and then talk to Dongsheng Company. Although Fukuoka is good, it is definitely not as good as Xiangjiang. They must have thought so when they first chose Xiangjiang."
"Yes, we have to pay some price for our arrogance. Also, have you found out about the riot between the two shipyards during the day today?"
"It has been found out, that is. Dissatisfied with the arrears of wages, and hearing that the job opportunities they were about to get have disappeared, we marched together to protest. No one was found to be instigating it. It seemed to be spontaneous after hearing the news. There were only a dozen people in the beginning, and after a day it evolved into what is now close to A scene of three thousand people."
"How did the two foreign companies deal with it? Are they still unwilling to pay wages? This is their legal obligation."
"Hutchison was a little shaken. No one has taken over, and they think no one will pay for this money. They are a little resentful towards you. Swire Pacific has made it clear that their funds are very tight now, and they may be in arrears for a while."
"Damn, so. They don't want to pay any money. Isn't it only 150,000 US dollars? How much can the two families share? These damn vampires don't even have any face left for themselves. They actually stopped paying their salaries at the same time. This is a premeditated plan. Conspiracy, they will not succeed, I swear."
Sir Bailiji has already made an idea to bring Dongsheng Company back to the negotiation table. He can make some concessions, but of course he cannot lose his interests. To say that the Hong Kong government went back on its word is non-existent. He was not present at the last negotiation and Mr. Charman cannot represent him.
"Mr. Charman, let's do this. You can ask someone from HSBC to talk to you tomorrow. We have no choice." Take off this troublesome task.
“We must let HSBC relax. There is no way around it. Then contact Dongsheng Company...”
Zhu Xuefeng, who got up early, just had a boxing session. After washing up, Wu Qianqian took the early morning train to Tianxing Ferry and rushed back.
“Why don’t you just go to work? What are you doing when you come back?”
“Of course you have breakfast with your husband. Besides, you don’t care about the outcome of the negotiation? Besides, you have to go back today, I have to see you off. If you don’t go to work, you can always give yourself a day off.”
“Haha, this little mouth is so sweet. Come on, let’s have breakfast together. I’ll leave after eating. I have to catch up today. Go back."
"Are you in such a hurry that you can't stay for a few more days? I don't want you to leave."
Wu Qianqian is thinking about it. This is the longest time the two of them have been alone. Although I was happy every day, thinking that it would be a few more months before we could see each other made me feel depressed.
"Okay, okay, what a big deal. If the love lasts for a long time, how can we stay together day and night? The separation now is just for a longer companionship in the future, why are we still acting like a little girl? Yes, I dropped a golden bean, let the servants see the joke.”
“But husband, if you leave me a child, I won’t be so lonely.”
Both of them have not yet registered in Xiangjiang. Of course Zhu Xuefeng is not willing to consider such a thing now. Wu Qianqian mentioned it last time when she said she wanted to become stupid, but it has already been over. Wu Qianqian has already stated that she does not want children for the time being, why did she mention it again? Get up.
Zhu Xuefeng was really stunned by what Wu Qianqian said. Wu Qianqian seemed to realize that she had said the wrong thing.
"Husband, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have made this request. Last time it was impulsive. But just now, I really wanted a child to accompany me, but I know now is really not the time. Besides, my two sisters haven't yet "It's my turn."
Wu Qianqian knew that the bigger the family, the more suitable it would be for the first child to be a legitimate child. Seeing Zhu Xuefeng in a daze, she thought that this aspect had touched her master's bottom line.
Zhu Xuefeng pulled Wu Qianqian and held her in his arms distressedly. The woman in front of him was the most helpful to him now. He indeed owed her a lot.
"Don't think nonsense. The reason why I haven't let you have a child is because I feel sorry for you. Now I can't live without you at all. How can you command me when you have a big belly? Wait until I find you a helper. When you have time, we can have as many children as you like. It’s not that we can’t afford them, but it’s you who has the hard work when the children are born without their father.”
Wu Qianqian showed her true feelings when she saw her husband. No more grievances, "Actually, I'm not in a hurry. Childhood without my father's company is unhappy. I'm willing to wait."
Zhu Xuefeng rubbed Wu Qianqian's head distressedly, "Silly girl, why do you think so much? We The days ahead are still very long, wait a minute, in the future, if you have ten or eight children, it’s best to gather a team, haha, hurry up and have breakfast, I’m already hungry after practicing for a while.”
"What do you think of me? I'm still talking about ten or eight..." Wu Qianqian shyly turned her face away...
Breakfast was very simple. According to Zhu Xuefeng's request, eggs, milk and A little toast, a little nuts and fruit, and two steaks.
“I’m used to eating this, and I’m not used to eating steamed buns when I go back. It’s so easy to go from frugality to luxury.”
“Husband, bring more back home, eat it secretly at home, and still Can someone come to check?”
"I didn't take it with me, and I didn't have a chance to eat it. Let's not talk about it anymore. I left some things in the study. I wrote them very clearly. They are all what I told you a few days ago. If you have the opportunity, implement it. If the time is not right, then you will do it. Wait first.”
“Well, hubby, let me tell you about the negotiation with them.”
The two parties have reached a preliminary agreement, and the other party will purchase grain through Dongsheng Company. A small amount of U.S. dollars, gold, and silver will be used to offset the first time, and then funds from various specialties will be used to offset it.
As for the export of labor services, they are also very interested, but they cannot make the decision. This will have to be discussed later. However, they are very interested in providing food and housing for 10,000 people and an extra annual salary of 500 tons of grain for each of them. According to the current international quotation, one hundred tons of grain is only about US$50,000 to US$60,000, which is not much.
But what they are paying attention to now is not the US dollar, but the fact that these 500 tons of grain can be replaced with corn, which can feed nearly 30,000 people. If they just hang their lives, they can save almost 60,000 lives. This is a very suitable supplement for them who are now seriously short of food. Their funds, specialties and minerals are simply unable to support the planned purchase of food.
“That’s it, five hundred tons is quite a lot. The rest of the surplus grain will enter the country through Dian Province. Although the country is getting better now, it is still far from the point where we are no longer hungry.”
"Husband, there is one more thing. Yesterday, there was a riot at both docks. In the end, the police were dispatched. The riot in Kowloon was quite serious. There were thousands of workers and their families. I heard that two foreign companies My face turned dark. Tell me, will anything happen? Will the Hong Kong government come to us again? "
"It's very possible. Isn't that what I thought at the time? The rest of the matter will be discussed by us. Okay, I’ll leave it to you. By the way, Fukuoka’s dock construction is still going according to the established plan. Don’t worry about it. The Yagawa family has strong control over Fukuoka’s port.”
Think about it again. Emphasizing, "Our future shipping business with Fuso will be indispensable. We will first occupy a terminal in Fukuoka, grab a head start, and gather the wool. Although it does not need to be too big, we must have the loading and unloading capacity of 10,000 tons of ocean freight. You can give them this Send a message to make it clear." (End of Chapter)