We are all reborn, who wants to be the richest man?

Chapter 128 Influence

On October 10, the Hong Kong government revised the People’s Immigration Regulations, canceled the hold-up policy, and began to implement the arrest-and-release policy.

Baseball is a baseball term that means a player will not be out as long as he reaches the base in time.

The barrier policy was implemented in 1974. Before that, non-Hong Kong people could come and settle in Hong Kong at will.

However, due to the excessive number of people coming to Hong Kong, which has caused a burden on Hong Kong Island society, the barrier policy was promulgated in order to reduce the number of outsiders coming to Hong Kong.

The barrage policy means that people who sneak into Hong Kong from other countries can only obtain Hong Kong Island status after arriving in the urban area of ​​Hong Kong Island.

With the reform and opening up, the punishment for stowaways has been reduced, and a large number of people from Southeast Asia have begun to flow into Hong Kong Island, causing a serious load on Hong Kong Island.

In order to prevent this situation, Hong Kong Island began to implement a catch-and-release policy, which means that people who are caught will be sent back to their place of origin. This has also resulted in a large number of illegal accounts.

Watching the news on TV, Luo Nianzhong couldn't help but sigh.

Hong Kong Island is now rich, so many people from the coast want to sneak over and live a better life.

But little did they know that the home they looked down on could turn them into tens of millions or even billionaires in just over 20 years.

And these people who have given up everything and want to live a good life are still living in a small house of more than 20 square meters after more than years, and many of them cannot afford to buy a house. How ironic this is.

The channel is a new news channel opened by ATV this year. It cannot be said to be a new channel. To be precise, it is a revised version of the old channel.

ATV had a comprehensive channel and a news channel before Luo Nianzhong took over. However, the old news channel only broadcast news about Haojiang, Hong Kong Island, and more TV series.

This year ATV added TV drama channels and sports channels, and the original news channel was revised according to Luo Nianzhong's wishes.

In addition to reporting on Hong Kong Island news, some world events will be reported in real time.

For example, ATV in the Middle East, which is experiencing an unstable situation recently, sent reporters. It has a bit of a CNN feel and is very popular among senior people.

At this time, the news on Hong Kong Island was replaced by the news on the Middle East. Since the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War in September, this place has instantly become the focus of the world.

Oil prices, in particular, have risen and fallen rapidly.

Although Luo Nianzhong knew that the highest price of crude oil was US$41 in January next year, he did not wait. Instead, after the war broke out, he sold the crude oil futures in his hand after the crude oil rose to US$36, making a profit of over one billion US dollars. .

It can only be said that Lantau Island has the initial start-up funds for construction.

Shark Dantong called three days ago to tell Luo Nianzhong that Jimin had agreed to give up the land on Lantau Island.

However, it has not yet been decided whether to sell the land or buy shares of the land. The Cha Jimin family needs to discuss it and tell Luo Nianzhong the news after the discussion is completed.

As long as it's for sale, it doesn't matter if Luo Nianzhong waits for a few more days.

In fact, Luo Nianzhong is still to blame for this matter. If someone else wanted 200 million Hong Kong dollars to buy land, the Cha Jimin family would do it to save Sha Dantong's face, and would not invest in any tourism projects at all.

But this is Luo Nianzhong. If he wants to do this project, Cha Jimin will have to think too much about whether this project will also turn Luo Nianzhong into a hen that can lay golden eggs.

The Cha family is still thinking about it. Luo Niazhong will not wait for them. Since they want to sell, the preliminary preparations can begin.

In the Hong Kong Government, MacLehose, who was at work, thought he heard wrongly when his secretary reported that Luo Nianzhong was asking for an audience.

You must know that this symbol of Hong Kong Island's business community in the world has never taken the initiative to come to the Hong Kong government. Since he can come in person, then the matter will not be too small.

"Quickly ask Luo Sheng to come in and give Luo Sheng some tea from my collection."

This also shows that MacLehose attaches great importance to Luo Nianzhong, or that the British side attaches great importance to this world businessman.

I followed the secretary in. As soon as I entered the door, MacLehose came over to greet me.

"Luo Sheng, I was wondering why there were magpies chirping this morning. This time I found the reason. Having you here really makes my office shine."

After hearing this and looking at this ghost guy who had learned Chinese culture well, Luo Nianzhong walked over and held MacLehose's hand and said politely.

"Mr. Governor, you are promoting me. I am just a small businessman, but I can't afford your words."

"Hahahaha. Luo Sheng is so humble. If you are a small businessman, then all other businessmen can only be hawkers."

After speaking, MacLehose motioned for Luo Nianzhong to sit down and talk, and the secretary also brought the tea.

"Have a taste. This is a good tea that someone gave me. I don't know much about it. Please help me taste it."

Luo Nianzhong picked up the tea cup and said, "Then Mr. Governor, you have found the wrong person. I am not very proficient in this. I can only say that I prefer drinking."

"Then the two of us can be said to be evenly matched. I also like your Chinese tea very much, but I don't know how to taste it."

Luo Nianzhong wouldn't believe it. If you didn't understand tea, would someone give it to you?
As the saying goes, what goes well above will eventually follow. If you don't understand, who will give you tea?

The two chatted for a while while drinking tea. MacLehose was concerned about the current situation of the Far East Group and repeatedly said that if you have any difficulties, you can come to him and he will do his best to find a solution.

"Luo Sheng, why are you here this time?"

After paying attention to the Far East Group, MacLehose asked Luo Nianzhong about the purpose of his trip.

"That's right, Mr. Governor, do you know what plans the Hong Kong government has for Lantau Island?"

"Lantau Island?" MacLehose frowned, wondering why Luo Nianzhong suddenly became interested in that deserted island.

"Luo Sheng, I really don't know much about this. I have to ask the Planning Department for details, but as far as I know there is no plan."

Luo Nianzhong made a clear action and stated the purpose of this trip.

"Our Far East Group wants to develop Lantau Island, but I don't know what Mr. Governor's opinion is."

"all?"

Seeing Luo Nianzhong nodding, MacLehose was shocked. He did not expect that Luo Nianzhong had such a big appetite and actually wanted to take over the entire Lantau Island.

How big is Lantau Island? It covers an area of ​​147 square kilometers, which is nearly twice the area of ​​Hong Kong Island, the second largest island in Hong Kong.

However, Lantau Island is mostly mountainous and has very little surface area, and because of inconvenient transportation and a long distance from Hong Kong Island, it has not been developed.

Today, Lantau Island is completely uninhabited except for some aboriginals. There are too many mountains and too much investment in infrastructure, so the Hong Kong government has never planned to develop it.

However, if the Hong Kong government does not develop it now, it does not mean that it will not develop it in the future.

Besides, even if there is no plan to develop such a large piece of land, it is impossible to sell it all to a private company.

However, MacLehose did not refuse outright. Instead, he inquired about Luo Nianzhong's purpose of taking over Lantau Island. "I don't know what Luo Sheng wants to do with buying such a large piece of land."

Luo Nianzhong did not hide it, but told MacLehose everything.

“Our Far East Group plans to develop tourism resources, and Lantau Island is an excellent choice.

The first is that there is wasteland there, the area is large, development and construction is convenient, and there are no disputes.”

The second is that the island's historical landscape and environment are suitable for development. Whether it is the Luohan Temple on the mountain, the Po Lin Temple, or the Qing Dynasty pirate Cheung Po Tsai's castle, they can become tourist attractions as long as they are repaired and expanded.

There are also natural beaches and bathing beaches on the southeast coast, which are a good choice for water sports and fishing.

The most important thing is that Hong Kong Island has unique conditions. We are a free port, and many people come to travel and spend money.

However, there are not many tourist attractions that come just for shopping, and these people can definitely become potential guests of Lantau Island.”

After listening to Luo Nianzhong's plan, MacLehose had an idea, and he supported the plan in his heart.

If this project is developed by the Far East Group, it will be of immediate help to Hong Kong Island's service industry and tourism industry.

Another reason is that he knows that the British mainland has begun to consider the issue of Hong Kong Island sovereignty. A more prosperous Hong Kong Island under the management of the British Hong Kong government is undoubtedly more in line with the British mainland strategy.

The lack of development on Lantau Island is also related to this problem. When everything is not settled, what I am afraid of is making a wedding dress for others.

It's a good thing not to use the Hong Kong government's funds now. The only problem is that Luo Nianzhong wants too much land.

If Luo Nianzhong knew this idea in his mind, he would definitely laugh out loud. The toughness of that wise old man on this issue was unimaginable in England.

No matter how prosperous Hong Kong Island becomes, it will not change the decision to return Hong Kong Island.

As for the next economic development of Hong Kong Island, as long as the Far East Group and those Chinese tycoons let it go, Hong Kong Island will not be able to have the chaos it once was in its history.

In the original history, chaos was also caused by the Hong Kong government's connivance to the underworld.

Commercially speaking, Hong Kong Island's external economy has not been greatly affected.

Now that there is the Far East Group, many of those gangs are doing much better than they did in history because of the Far East Group.

With the income from formal business, there is no need to be so strong towards all kinds of land encroachment.

Luo Nianzhong believes that as long as he is around, these restless elements will listen to him more than the Hong Kong government.

As the saying goes, whoever feeds them milk is their mother, and they know better than anyone else who feeds them milk.

"Luo Sheng, in principle, I support your tourism development plan.

But no matter what the reason is, I cannot sell such a large piece of land to you."

“I know that actually we don’t need all the land now, only the eastern quarter of the land is enough for development.

The reason why we want to buy all the land is that we are afraid that the remaining land will be bought by others in the future and some disputes will arise. After all, the cable car project we are planning will basically go around Lantau Island.

Then there is the development of the second and third phase expansion projects in the future, which will definitely be carried out if nothing unexpected happens."

After knowing what Luo Nianzhong was worried about, MacLehao ​​thought about it and made a suggestion.

"Our Hong Kong government can introduce some policies, stipulating that the existing land on Lantau Island can only be used for commercial tourism development. And our Hong Kong government can use the land as a stake, and we can jointly develop and protect Lantau Island."

MacLehose's words made Luo Nianzhong frown.

MacLehose wanted to use land to invest in shares. No matter how valuable the land on Lantau Island was, the area was there. Obviously, the Hong Kong government took advantage of this proposal.

Because even if the entire Lantau Island is developed, according to Luo Nianzhong's estimate, 40% of it will eventually be green vegetation, which is also useless land.

However, there are good things wherever there is bad. With the participation of the Hong Kong government, the treatment of the Far East Group will be indispensable in the future, both in terms of policies and support.

"What about the specific shareholding?"

"How about each holding 50% of the shares?"

"impossible".

MacLehose's proposal was immediately rejected by Luo Nianzhong. After being rejected, MacLehose felt that he had been embarrassed, and the smile on his face disappeared.

"Mr. Governor, do you know how much money our Far East Group plans to invest in Lantau Island?"

MacLehose made an expression as if he was willing to hear the details.

"The first phase is HK$500 billion."

After seeing Luo Nianzhong extend a palm and say 500 billion Hong Kong dollars, MacLehose stood up in shock.

"Is Luo Sheng joking?" MacLehose asked in disbelief.

"What do you think, Mr. Governor?"

In fact, MacLehose believed Luo Nianzhong's words from the beginning. Who was Luo Nianzhong? Is it necessary to deceive him about this?

He was just shocked by the amount and instinctively couldn't believe it.

Luo Nianzhong ignored MacLehose who sat down again and continued talking about his plan.

“We at Far East Group plan to invest HK$500 billion in Lantau Island within five years to build the first phase of the project.

Build a series of buildings such as various types of parks, yacht clubs, resorts, golf courses, ocean villas, shopping malls, etc. to make the east side of Lantau Island a synonym for luxury vacations.

Of course, we will also consider ordinary tourists, so we will divide Lantau Island into two regions: north and south.

To the north, close to amusement parks and entertainment facilities, a number of hotels will be built to target ordinary tourists.

To the south are better-enclosed private beaches, golf courses, yacht clubs, etc., dedicated to serving wealthy guests."

As Luo Nianzhong's various plans were all drawn out, MacLehose finally understood why Luo Nianzhong said he would invest HK$50 billion in the early stage.

Luo Nianzhong just wants to use those rich people to package Lantau Island as a top-notch pronoun, and then use this name to attract other ordinary consumers. This is actually a way of advertising effect.

You can travel to top resorts with ordinary travel expenses. It also gives you face when you go out, right?
Is this necessary? Not needed at all.

How did MacLehose know that Luo Nianzhong's idea from the beginning was to separate the rich from ordinary tourists? Anyway, Lantau Island is large enough.

Knowing the details of Luo Nianzhong's plan, MacLehose thought about it and said "40%"

Luo Nianzhong still shook his head. According to the shareholding ratio given by MacLehose, it was equivalent to a land price of 340 billion Hong Kong dollars in eastern Lantau Island. This was something Luo Nianzhong could not accept.

Because it is obviously impossible to give him the land ownership on Lantau Island, and it is impossible for the Hong Kong government to take out all the land on Lantau Island.

It must be like Luo Nianzhong said, taking out the land use rights for the eastern quarter, plus the locations of the scenic spots and historic sites on the island.

Another point is that the land in Yulin Bay is in the hands of the Cha Jimin family. This land occupies nearly one-twentieth of the area of ​​the first phase of the project planned by Luo Nianzhong. It is all plain and is the best land in Lantau Island.

MacLehose didn't think Luo Nianzhong could agree. Is it a business? It's normal to bargain. If it doesn't work, just talk.

"The Hong Kong government is responsible for building a bridge connecting Lantau Island."

This is useful for Luo Nianzhong, as it can facilitate transportation for tourists.

But speaking of its usefulness, the bridge itself does not involve any interests of Luo Nianzhong.

This is a livelihood project of the Hong Kong government and will benefit the Hong Kong government even more.

But when it comes to transportation, an idea suddenly popped up in Luo Nian's mind: airlines.

In the past, there were two airlines on Hong Kong Island, Cathay Pacific Airways of Swire Pacific and Island Airways of Jardine Matheson.

However, in 1958, Cathay Pacific acquired Jardine's Island Airways, and from then on it became the dominant airline.

It was not until 85 that the establishment of Dragonair, founded by Chinese capital, broke this situation.

However, Luo Nianzhong knew that due to some Hong Kong government policies, the development of Dragonair did not pose too many threats to Cathay Pacific. Now it was an opportunity to establish a Chinese airline.

"35% equity, and the Hong Kong government will issue an aviation license to Far East Group, and all policies must be in line with Cathay Pacific."

Seeing MacLehose's frown in thought, Luo Nianzhong continued, "An uncompetitive market is unhealthy for an industry.

And with the development of Lantau Island, does Mr. Governor think Cathay Pacific really dares to invest more?

This is not a problem that can be solved by just a few or a dozen aircraft."

After hearing what Luo Nianzhong said, MacLehose was in a daze and said with a smile, "Luo Sheng, you misunderstood. My hesitation is not because of the issue of the aviation license to the Far East Group."

After hearing this, ten thousand grass and mud horses galloped past Luo Nian Center.

Sure enough, for their own benefit, these ghosts don't care about the life and death of your other companies, even British capital.

"Luo Sheng, one thing you reminded me is that with the development of tourist facilities, not only the number of aircraft, but also Kai Tak Airport is facing huge challenges."

Luo Nianzhong understood that because the British Hong Kong government at that time had determined the return of Hong Kong Island in 97, it borrowed heavily to build many people's livelihood projects in order to leave an over-debt mess for future rabbits.

The Hong Kong Island International Airport is the largest project among them, costing HK$1600 billion. China and the UK have also negotiated many times on this matter.

But things are different now. The British Hong Kong government still has confidence in Hong Kong Island. It is impossible for the Hong Kong government to borrow heavily to build a new airport. MacLehose began to have difficulties in his heart.

This made Luo Nianzhong feel that he could get a bargain again. The later Hong Kong Island International Airport was the largest cargo airport and the third largest passenger airport in the world, and there was no problem with profitability.

And if it is started now, the cost will not reach HK$1600 billion.

Putting aside some of the things that the British Hong Kong government established in order to bring down Hong Kong Island's finances, such as high quotations for various materials and land reclamation.

Doing the math, it would cost no more than HK$800 billion to build an airport of the same size now.

The original Hong Kong Island International Airport was built on Chek Lap Kok. Reclamation cost tens of billions and also caused ecological pollution nearby.

Not to mention the cultural relics on Chek Lap Kok, the nearby Chinese white dolphin is one of the victims.

Luo Nianzhong could definitely suggest that MacLehose build the airport to the west of Lantau Island, which is far away from Tsuen Wan and will not cause noise nuisance to residents. Even the funds invested in land development will be greatly reduced.

"If Mr. Governor wants to build a new airport, Far East Group can help with part of the financing."

MacLehose's eyes narrowed. The Far Eastern Group already had a great influence on Hong Kong Island. He did not want the Far Eastern Group to expand its influence on Hong Kong Island.

But after thinking about it, I laughed inside.

Does it make any difference to Far East Group's influence on Hong Kong Island with or without the airport project?
As long as the Lantau Island project is completed, how many people in Hong Kong will directly or indirectly depend on the Far East Group for their livelihood.

In fact, for Luo Nianzhong, these two large investments were beyond the reach of the Far East Group.

But the opportunity was presented to him, and Luo Nianzhong had no reason to give up.

Fortunately, with the size of Far East Group here, there will be many banks willing to lend money.

And these are not one-time investments. Far East Bank and Fuji Bank can handle more than half or even all of the funds.

Since the Far Eastern Group acquired Far Eastern Bank, it has embarked on a massive expansion.

Although the number of depositors ranks only fourth in Hong Kong Island, its savings account is already on par with Hang Seng Bank, making it one of the three largest banks in Hong Kong Island.

The main reason for this is that the people of Hong Kong trust the Far Eastern Group and Luo Nianzhong himself. Furthermore, the depositors of the Far Eastern Bank are all high-income people.

More than 70% of the employees of Far East Group alone regard Far East Bank as their main bank, so Far East Bank has very sufficient funds.

"Luo Sheng, we have decided on the Lantau Island project.

But about the new airport, I can’t give you an answer yet. This requires our Hong Kong government to hold a meeting and discuss the plan before we can determine the plan. After all, it involves an investment of tens of billions of Hong Kong dollars.”

"Okay, then I won't disturb Mr. Governor, and I'll take my leave now."

MacLehose stood up after Luo Nianzhong, held his hand and said, "Luo Sheng, this is not an intrusion. On behalf of the Hong Kong government and the citizens of Hong Kong Island, I would like to thank Luo Sheng for his investment and construction."

"Mr. Governor, you are welcome. I am also a Hong Kong Islander, and it is also beneficial to me for Hong Kong Island to develop better.

Besides, I’m here to make money, so I’m still very optimistic about this project.”

After a few words of greeting, Luo Nianzhong stopped disturbing him.

"Then I will leave first and not disturb the Governor's work."

MacLehose sent Luo Nianzhong out of the gate of the Hong Kong Government before turning back to his secretary and saying, "Inform Finance Minister Xia and others to come to my office."

(End of this chapter)