1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 710 The Landlord!

Inside the office, Li Changhe was looking at this rather unusual map while listening to the agent's explanation.

The explanation was about nothing other than the agricultural regions on the map.

“Mr. Bao, from an economic perspective, forestry is the most economically valuable agricultural investment because trees can be used to make timber, and there are many other trees with high economic value, so it is the most profitable agricultural investment.”

“There are many mountains in the United States, which makes forestry and planting convenient. If you are considering economic value, then I recommend the mountains in Montana. They are right next to the Rocky Mountains, have a large area, and the land prices are cheap.”

"Secondly, Washington State has a high forest coverage and a lot of high-quality land."

The intermediary, Huang Lansheng, was speaking earnestly, while Li Changhe was deep in thought.

The agent was provided by the Hongmen. Firstly, the agent was considered an elite among the Chinese community and was indeed capable. Secondly, the entire family lived in Chinatown, so Li Changhe wasn't worried about him doing anything shady.

Actually, there was no special reason why he wanted to buy the ranch. In his previous life, he read novels like "Golden Fishing Ground" and "The Ultimate Little Landlord," which he found quite enjoyable at the time.

The life of American farmers depicted in the film is quite entertaining, provided, of course, that the main characters have some kind of cheat code.

But on the other hand, he's now on a winning streak, so with money and time, it's perfect for him to run a farm in the US and Canada.

Moreover, he also knew that land was a part of the diversified investments of later figures like Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and many internet tycoons.

Because land is the most effective means of hedging against inflation, and it has permanent ownership and fixed output.

They only need to place the land into a "public welfare" trust to not only receive high tax exemptions, but also to provide a continuous source of wealth for future generations.

There is no business risk involved in this; all you need to do is sow seeds or buy cattle and sheep every year to have a stable output.

Once land is used for large-scale production, the constant annual output income is more stable than rent collection.

“In addition to the forests in Montana, you can also add ranches and connect them into one area. Ranch meat is one of the most economically valuable products.”

"In comparison, farms have the lowest economic value, and the best farm areas are in the Great Lakes region, but your needs are in the West Coast of the United States. Therefore, I would least recommend farms."

Huang Lansheng said softly at this moment.

Li Changhe nodded: "Before I came here, someone recommended the Okanagan Valley in Canada to me. Are you familiar with that place?"

Thinking of the Ouken Valley that Bao Peirong, the second sister of the Bao family, had told him before he came, Li Changhe asked curiously.

Huang Lansheng nodded: "I understand. We also have many clients in Vancouver."

“The Okanagan Valley is currently mainly focused on vineyards and fruit cultivation. If you are interested in a winery, you can consider it.”

"But the climate there is bad, it's too far north, and it's more than 400 kilometers from Vancouver."

"As you know, in Canada, actually 80% of the population lives in cities along the US-Canada border because the climate is too harsh further north, especially the land, which is mostly permafrost. In terms of investment value, it's much worse than the US."

"Mr. Bao, may I ask why you insist on buying property on the West Coast instead of the East Coast or the states in the Midwest?"

"Actually, if we broaden the scope, there are many farms and ranches in places like Tennessee and Texas that are of very high value."

Li Changhe smiled and said, "The main reason is that I have a retail company on Hong Kong Island, which is close to the West Coast and convenient for transportation. Some of my products are easier to sell in Asia."

"I see. In that case, the west coast is indeed much more convenient than the east coast."

"Mr. Bao, are you interested in tourist land?"

Huang Lansheng then asked again.

"Tourism land?"

"You mean?"

"Land primarily for tourism?"

Li Changhe asked curiously.

Huang Lansheng nodded: "Yes, but it's not mainly about tourism. It's a combination of tourism and agriculture. Some small towns in Tennessee and Seattle are like that."

"However, I'm not recommending the US mainland, but another place: Hawaii!"

"As you can see, Hawaii is actually made up of several islands, with Oahu being its political and economic center, home to 80 percent of Hawaii's population."

"But actually there are many suitable farms in Hawaii, such as Kualoa Ranch, owned by the Morgan family. It has been owned for over a hundred years and has become a filming location for many movies."

"The combination of ranching and tourism over there has turned it into a goldmine."

"And from what you're saying, it's actually because the business is more focused on Hong Kong Island, right?"

"Hawaii is a great midway point in this process. It serves as a transit hub for air travel between Asia and North America, which means that Hawaii is never short of tourists."

"After all, this is their first stop in the United States, and there are actually many Chinese people there."

"Moreover, the climate there is suitable, making it ideal for both scenery and agriculture."

These days, the flight range of airplanes has not actually been greatly expanded. Many older airplanes cannot fly directly from Asia to North America, so they all transit through Hawaii.

"Hawaii!"

Li Changhe looked at the Hawaiian Islands on the map and suddenly asked a question.

"Are you selling islands in Hawaii?"

The Hawaiian Islands consist of several islands, some of which are quite large.

"An island? Of course it's for sale."

"As far as I know, they sell islands. The Hawaii Pineapple Fruit Company previously bought an island in Hawaii to grow pineapples. Nihau Island is also occupied by a private family. They do not allow tourists to go to the island and only allow native Hawaiians to live there."

"However, if you want to buy an island, the investment is quite large. The island itself is not expensive, but if you develop tourism, the subsequent investment will be very expensive, and you will be subject to many restrictions from the state of Hawaii."

Huang Lansheng then spoke seriously.

He was also a little confused. He had only wanted to promote the ranch, but did this Mr. Bao really want to buy an island?

Li Changhe then began to ponder.

Hawaii is indeed in a great location and has beautiful scenery.

Li Changhe wasn't thinking about buying it himself, but rather about his club in Hong Kong.

He felt that he could create a luxurious private resort in Hawaii, serving as a symbol of the club and a forward base in the United States.

In that case, having a meeting in North America would be much more private than doing so in the United States.

"How about this, you help me take a look. I can buy a high-quality vineyard in the Okanagan Valley of Canada. I already have a wine business, and I don't mind adding Canadian ice wine as well."

“I’d also like to look at areas in Montana where ranches and forests combine. I’d like a place for leisure hunting, and it would be nice to be able to relax on horseback.”

"Then there's Hawaii. Can you help me research which island is suitable for export? Remember, I don't want to buy a piece of land, but an entire island."

"I want to develop a luxury resort area in Hawaii, with a focus on convenience and privacy."

At this moment, Li Changhe spoke softly to Huang Lansheng.

Huang Lansheng was completely stunned after hearing this.

Goodness, he thought this was a one-choice business, but it turns out they offered all options.

So this is the extent of this Hong Kong tycoon's power?

Thinking of the demands his superiors had placed on him, instructing him to serve Mr. Bao wholeheartedly, he was still curious about who this important figure was.

Now it seems, this really is a big shot!
"Sir, I understand. I will immediately organize the company's manpower to find a high-quality area for you!" Huang Lansheng said excitedly.

With arms that big, how much money will he make this time?

Gong Xue, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but sigh when she heard Li Changhe's request.

Sure enough, he couldn't forget about hunting.

Linlin's sister wouldn't let him play in the country, so he went abroad to play.

After that, Li Changhe took Gong Xue on a trip to various scenic spots.

Gong Xue visited the Okanagan Valley in Canada to experience the local fruit season, and happened to catch the cherry season. The deep red color and sweet and sour taste made her fall in love with the cherry at first sight.

Li Changhe also understood why Bao Peirong was so attached to this place.

So naturally, I bought it!

Then there are the high-altitude ranches of Montana, where snow-capped mountains and jungles intertwine, creating vast mountain pastures that are not far from the Yellowstone National Forest in the United States.

It is said that this land was owned by the U.S. Pacific Railroad Corporation, which is now putting it up for sale because they acquired a large amount of land from the U.S. government when they built the railroad.

In recent years, due to the economic situation and corporate operating strategies, these railway companies have begun to sell off the land they hold.

Li Changhe was also given a piece of information: the founder of this company was also the founder of Stanford University.

The company's founder was Stanford, who later founded Stanford University in memory of his beloved son after his death.

Of course, this was just gossip that Li Changhe heard while buying a ranch in his spare time.

However, it must be said that the areas Huang Lansheng found for him were indeed high-quality locations, and the prices were not expensive at the moment.

“Thirty thousand acres of forest and ranch, if you’re willing to pay in full upfront, they’ll only ask for thirty-five million dollars.”

In his San Francisco office, Huang Lansheng earnestly reported to Li Changhe.

"What do you think of this price?"

Li Changhe calmly asked Huang Lansheng.

Huang Lansheng thought for a moment and said, "Mr. Bao, this price is actually quite favorable at the moment. It comes out to less than $1,200 per acre."

"Last year, the highest price offered for this land was $1,500 per acre."

"However, this is considered a peak price. Since last year, land prices have been declining, which is why the price quoted by the Pacific Railroad Company is relatively low."

"If you really want to buy, I estimate that it's possible to negotiate a price of 30 million US dollars. It's just hard to predict whether land prices will rebound or continue to fall."

Li Changhe nodded, then looked at Anna: "Anna, what did the appraisal company in Los Angeles say?"

Anna then produced a report.

"Boss, according to Dow Jones' assessment, land prices in the United States will fall further, with an expected drop of at least 30% to 40%."

"This is because the US economy has slowed down in recent years, many companies have failed in their diversification strategies, and their profits have declined. As a result, they have started to sell off their various assets, and the area of ​​land sold across the US has suddenly soared. It will probably take at least three to four years to absorb all of this land."

"According to their judgment, land prices will bottom out around 1986, which would be the best time for you to buy."

"If you buy now, the land value should decline."

"Furthermore, the reasonable price that Dox is asking for for this mountain ranch is around $27 million, which takes into account the expectation of land depreciation over the next two years."

"What they mean is that we can negotiate this price with the Pacific Railroad."

Anna briefly reported the report to Li Changhe.

Upon hearing Anna's report, Huang Lansheng, who was standing to the side, looked nervously at Li Changhe.

He didn't lie, but he figured the other party definitely wouldn't sell at 27 million.

Thirty million US dollars was the lowest price he dared to come up with, and it was also the standard he judged based on the other party's tone.

"Alright, let's go with thirty million US dollars. Tell them that if they agree to this price, we can sign the contract immediately."

Li Changhe thought for a moment, then made a decisive decision.

For him, the farm is currently just for recreational purposes, and he is not considering its economic value at the moment.

Moreover, although land prices in the United States are falling, the stock market has already started a bull market. Not to mention, the daily returns from the stock market on Wall Street far exceed the decline in land prices.

Therefore, Li Changhe didn't care much about these price differences.

Moreover, this place is in a really good location, with snow-capped mountains, river valleys, forests and plains. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the area of ​​over a hundred square kilometers is also large enough, making it quite suitable.

Moreover, he didn't have much time left; the Guo family's wedding was just around the corner, and Li Changhe didn't have time to run around anymore.

When Huang Lansheng heard Li Changhe make the decision, a look of surprise immediately appeared on his face.

For him, closing this deal meant another several hundred thousand dollars in commission, making him a fortune.

What's more, he has a big business deal to make.

"Mr. Bao, rest assured, I am absolutely confident that I can secure the 30 million US dollar deal. Of course, I will also try my best to lower the price and see if I can save you some money."

"Oh, right, there's another place, the Hawaii Island you mentioned before, I've also got news about it."

"Kaku Corporation, the parent company of Hawaii Pineapple Corporation, is interested in selling Lanai Island, but this offer is a bit high."

"Lanai Island? You mean that small island of over 300 square kilometers?"

Li Changhe knew about that small island from previous introductions; it was the island that the Pineapple Company bought to grow pineapples, and it was the second smallest island in the Hawaiian Islands.

However, the location is quite good; it's not too far from Honolulu.

"That's right, it's that island. Kaku Corporation also quoted 30 million US dollars."

"But this price is very inflated. When they bought it in 1922, they only spent $1.1 million, and they didn't invest anything on the island."

Huang Lansheng then spoke seriously.

"So how much do you think that place is worth?"

Li Changhe asked curiously at this moment.

Huang Lansheng shook his head: "Mr. Bao, you've stumped me. According to our assessment, it's only worth 20 million US dollars or even less, because it's not the core of Hawaii, there's not much business, and there's no infrastructure."

"His only advantage is that Kaku Corporation owns almost the entire island, while the remaining portion is held by the state of Hawaii in order to provide the island's natives with the right to reside and protect their rights."

"But we can still acquire these, as long as you settle the natives properly, for example, by providing them with homes on other islands. In theory, you can achieve 100% complete acquisition."

"That's Lanai's greatest value. Other than that, it doesn't have much value compared to other Hawaiian islands."

Frankly speaking, Lanai is now like the countryside of Hawaii. Although the environment is nice, all the islands in Hawaii have nice environments, so it doesn't have an absolute advantage.

"Here's what I'll do. I'll have Anna organize a negotiation team to talk to Kaku Company with you, and I'll also let Anna do some on-site investigation."

"Anna, you take responsibility for this."

At this moment, Li Changhe casually gave Anna an instruction.

(End of this chapter)