Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3057 Pagers Arrive in Hong Kong

The next morning, Old Zhao led a large group of people to the Ninth Division.

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao, along with Chen Gong and Wang Guodong, went out to greet them.

As for the others, they are busy with their own affairs and cannot spare the time.

"Xiao Yang, it's been a long time."

As soon as he got close, Old Zhao couldn't wait to reach out and grab Yang Xiaotao's hand.

Yang Xiaotao took the opportunity to shake the other person's hand and said with a smile, "That's right, you've been traveling all over the country for more than a month, you're a role model for us all."

Old Zhao was taken aback at first, then immediately realized what he meant and chuckled dryly, “Alas, I’m just destined to work hard and worry. If only I had your skills.”

"It's a pity I didn't read more books when I was young, otherwise I wouldn't have had to go out and endure the elements."

Yang Xiaotao was amused by Zhao Lao's humor, and then everyone went into the conference room together.

After taking their seats and exchanging greetings, they began to discuss business.

Old Zhao clearly came prepared this time, not only presenting plans for a pager manufacturing plant, but also various other plans to provide the necessary infrastructure.

Yang Xiaotao and his group understood the Fourth Ministry of Machine Building's intentions. After some discussion, they finalized the construction plans for the No. 2 and No. 3 pager factories.

Based on the suggestion of the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry, the locations were to be set up in Shanghai and Guangdong.

These two locations have a significant number of industries under the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry, making them the most convenient places for industrial upgrading.

Moreover, the processing industries in these two locations are among the best in the country, and alternative manufacturers can be found for the production of some components.

Yang Xiaotao expressed his support and agreement.

Having secured a factory to manufacture pagers, Yang Xiaotao thought the matter was settled and that the next step was to expedite the construction and production.

But to everyone's surprise, after a moment of contemplation, Old Zhao took a document from his secretary and handed it to Yang Xiaotao.

Yang Xiaotao was puzzled, then took the document and looked at it, immediately looking at Old Zhao with a question in his mind, "What do you mean by this?"

The document is short; it simply states that half of the ownership of the established pager base stations was transferred to the Ninth Division!

But there are quite a few benefits involved.

Old Zhao laughed and said, "We know that we have taken advantage of your Ninth Department in this cooperation, but we can't take advantage of you for nothing."

Yang Xiaotao quickly handed the document back, saying, "No, if you do that, we won't dare to cooperate again in the future."

"Wouldn't this be considered taking advantage of someone's kindness?"

"How will we face anyone if word gets out?"

"No, no, you guys just need to guard this thing, we can't take it."

Chen Gong and the others realized their mistake and refused repeatedly.

Yang Xiaotao firmly refused and handed the document to Old Zhao.

But Old Zhao grabbed Yang Xiaotao's hand, his thin palm carrying an unyielding strength. "Xiao Yang, listen to me."

The people from the Fourth Ministry of Machine Building behind him also stepped forward to persuade him.

Old Zhao said with all his might, "These base stations are for pagers. Without the pagers from your Ninth Division, these base stations would be useless."

"Besides, don't we still own half of the property?"

"That way, we can be considered as close as family."

But Yang Xiaotao firmly shook his head, "No need. This was all done by the comrades of the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry. If we take the benefits without contributing anything, what kind of thing is that?"

"Besides, we're like family, there's really no need for this."

"If you keep going like this, we really can't work together."

Yang Xiaotao knew very well that these base stations were not useless; not to mention their current use in pagers, where they played a huge role.

Even future mobile phones will need these base stations.

Back then, these foundations laid in advance were like trees planted by our predecessors!

The profits involved are too high, and Yang Xiaotao has no intention of taking advantage of it.

However, Yang Xiaotao's determination ultimately succumbed to Zhao Lao's insistence.

Subsequently, the two parties signed the agreement in the conference room of the Ninth Division, witnessed by many senior executives from both sides.

This marks another step forward in the cooperative relationship between the two parties.

As for who benefited from this cooperation, only future events can prove that.

After the agreement was signed, Yang Xiaotao felt a little guilty, so he invited Old Zhao to his office and the two sat down again.

After making tea for the two of them, Liu Lixue tactfully left the office with Lou Xiao'e.

"What are you trying to say by being so mysterious?"

Old Zhao picked up his teacup and took a sip, pondering what Yang Xiaotao was up to.

Yang Xiaotao didn't speak immediately, but said again, "You've really given us a huge piece of meat this time. I hope you won't regret it later."

Old Zhao blinked, and his heart skipped a beat.

Could these base stations serve another purpose?
But their technicians all said that these base stations are not the same thing as radio stations at all.

In other words, the Fourth Ministry of Machine Building simply couldn't utilize these radio stations; the Ninth Ministry's ability to use them was due to their own capabilities.

After changing his mind, Old Zhao also came to terms with it, and then laughed and said, "This piece of meat is fat to you, but in our hands it's just a bone."

"Besides, we still own half of the property. If you're going to eat the meat, do you think we'd be shortchanged on a sip of soup?"

Yang Xiaotao laughed immediately upon hearing this, "Well, what you said makes a lot of sense."

"Haha, that's called self-awareness."

Old Zhao was even more certain that this choice was the right one.

"Alright, let's get down to business."

Yang Xiaotao put down his cup with a serious expression.

Old Zhao also looked at Yang Xiaotao with a solemn expression.

"Originally, our plan was to go through Beijing first, then Shanghai, then Guangdong, and finally Hong Kong."

Old Zhao nodded, "Later, due to local issues getting involved, we had to postpone Hong Kong's plans."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then said again, "But after thinking about it, Hong Kong is a very important platform. We can use this platform to expand outwards."

Old Zhao frowned, "Radiating outwards?"

"That's not easy. Building base stations within our own country is no problem, but if we want to build base stations overseas, I doubt they'll even approve it?"

Yang Xiaotao smiled and said, "How will you know if you don't try?"

Old Zhao's expression turned solemn.

Then, eager to try, he said, "Just tell me directly, how exactly do I do it?"

Yang Xiaotao took a report out of the drawer and placed it on the table. "Please take a look."

Mr. Zhao hurriedly got up and took the document, and saw the words "Didi Communications Company" written at the top of the form.

Then I couldn't wait to flip through it.

The document is a business plan that outlines everything from the company's formation to its business operations, and also lists the company's various businesses.

This includes landline phones, satellite phones, pagers, and so on.

If we follow this plan, it could really make a difference.

But will this plan actually work?
Old Zhao placed the documents on the table, and Yang Xiaotao quickly asked with a smile, "How is it?"

"It's pretty good, but..."

"But we must take it one step at a time."

Yang Xiaotao said with certainty, "The first step is to land in Hong Kong."

"Once we establish a foothold in Hong Kong, we can follow the example of Great Wall Group and cooperate with other regions to build our base stations overseas, allowing more people to use our Didi pagers."

"How about it, old comrade, want to pull off a heist with us?"

Yang Xiaotao smiled, but in Zhao Lao's eyes, it was the smile of a devil.

However, a smile that can be called the devil's smile must be incredibly alluring.

Old Zhao glanced at Yang Xiaotao, then at the project plan on the table. His expression shifted repeatedly before he finally looked up and snorted coldly, "You kid are using this to test an old comrade?"

"Let me tell you, even Old Zhao of ours was influenced by the revolution."

"Never back down in the face of difficulties."

Upon hearing this, Yang Xiaotao smiled.

A week later, Yang Xiaotao collaborated with the Ministry of Machine Building to establish Factory No. 4 in Chang'an, responsible for production and processing in inland cities.

At this point, the production of pagers was fully launched in nine provinces, and dozens of factories across the country embarked on a vigorous upgrade process in order to produce pagers.

Hong Kong.

Li Rong and her foreign trade team stayed here for three days, fully experiencing the city's 'unique features'.

The hustle and bustle of the day, the 'hustle and bustle' of the night, countless glittering lights, countless stinking ditches.
Li Rong witnessed all of this, yet felt utterly powerless. Fortunately, it wasn't all unchangeable.

Just like the community now, which was originally beyond the jurisdiction of the government, but now that the jurisdiction has been taken back, the environment here has been completely changed.

The former filth, disorder, violence, decay, and chaos, with strong domestic support, have all become garbage in the sewers and been flushed into the sea.

Today, under strong order, the community has radiated a vitality that rivals other parts of Hong Kong.

Li Rong's purpose in coming here is to establish a paging station within the community, bring paging services to Hong Kong, and then use this platform to expand globally.

Only after arriving here did I realize that the situation was more serious than I had imagined.

Before they exercised jurisdiction, this community had no decent roads, no clean wells, severely insufficient electricity supply, and appalling sanitation. To put it bluntly, residents even had to buy water from the gang that controlled the water pipes.

Under conditions where even the most basic water, electricity, and sewage systems were almost nonexistent, telephone networks simply did not exist.

Without a telephone network, what use is their paging station?
Are we counting on those satellite phones?
Therefore, to promote pagers, it was necessary to connect telephone lines to the community, and then they would build base stations and establish paging stations in the community.

Therefore, it is necessary to obtain agreement from Hong Kong Telephone Company Limited.

But now it seems that this telephone company is a bit 'difficult to talk to'!

Li Rong was considering how to break into the market. Pagers were becoming increasingly popular in China, and she saw a huge business opportunity in them. If she could bring them to Hong Kong, they would definitely ignite the market.

When it comes to the demand for information today, Hong Kong is undoubtedly second to none.

What would be 500,000 units sold in Shanghai is just a fraction of what's sold here.

Therefore, we need to open up the market as soon as possible and obtain approval quickly.

Just as Li Rong was lost in thought, there was a knock on the hotel door. Two men in black opened the door, and Li San appeared in the doorway.

"Aunt Rong."

Li San strode in, looking hurried.

"Li San, how's the situation?"

"It's not good."

Li San sat down, poured himself a glass of water and gulped it down before continuing, "I had someone inquire, and it turns out this wasn't a big deal; the directors of the telephone company had already agreed."

"But no one expected that the company chairman would choose to oppose it, because the other party has veto power, so the matter has been stuck in the past."

Who is the chairman?

Phoenix Callum.

Li San took out a piece of paper from his pocket. "This guy is a purebred Briton. He's not only stubborn but also arrogant. He looks down on everyone except Britons."

"By the way. He advocated taking back the community's jurisdiction from the beginning, but unfortunately it has never been realized."

"However, we are still lobbying the government to take back jurisdiction."

Li Rong sneered, "Wishful thinking. Don't you even know what the situation is now?"

"Any other reasons?"

Seeing that Li San hesitated to speak, Li Rong asked again.

Li San nodded. "Phoenix's family, including his wife, two sons, a daughter, two granddaughters, and a grandson, all perished during the first outbreak of the epidemic."

"Although he survived thanks to our antidote, his lungs were damaged, and he is now unable to engage in strenuous exercise."

Li Rong was even more confused. "That's not right. Since we saved him, he should be grateful. Why is he making trouble for us?"

Li San looked helpless. "He said that we prevented him from reuniting with his family in heaven."

"Damn it, that bastard!"

Li Rong was furious. "If he wants to go to heaven so badly, he should just jump off the building. Why is he still alive?"

Li San shook his head. "That's just their nature. I've seen it a lot over the years."

Li Rong calmed herself down and then said, "Is there any other way to get around this person?"

Li San shook his head again, "He is the chairman of the telephone company. We can't do this without his permission."

"Unless we rebuild the telephone network here, but do you think they'll agree to that?"

Li Rong shook her head; there was no point in even thinking about it.

"Are we just going to leave it like this?"

Li Rong felt very irritated.

Seeing this, Li San tentatively said, "Actually, there is another way."

"You said."

Li Rong quickly asked.

Li San then spoke up, "Aunt Rong, there's only one place that can help us right now."

"where?"

"The Governor's Mansion!"

Li Rong's eyes lit up, and then she remembered something: it seemed that Yang Xiaotao's child was friends with the governor's daughter.

The old city of Beijing, the courtyard house.

Yang Xiaotao had just finished eating and was about to go out for a walk with his family when the satellite phone in his study rang.

When I answered the phone, Li Rong's voice came through.

"Aunt Rong, is there some good news calling at this hour?"

Yang Xiaotao greeted him with a smile. He was also aware of Li Rong's situation, and Hong Kong was an important part of the plan.

"Xiao Yang, there's something I need your help with."

The person on the other end of the phone sounded very anxious, and Yang Xiaotao's smile vanished.

"You say."

"We are now facing a difficult problem."

Li Rong then briefly explained the situation, and Yang Xiaotao finally understood what she meant. He then asked in surprise, "You think this will be useful?"

"Let's give it a try, even if it's a long shot. What if it works?"

"Okay, I know what to do."

"We have to hurry!"

"understand!"

When it came to serious matters, Yang Xiaotao also took it seriously, hung up the phone, and went out to call Duanwu, who was carrying a flashlight.

"Dragon Boat Festival, come over and do some homework."

I had already told my younger siblings where we were going to play during the Dragon Boat Festival, but when I heard my dad's voice, I immediately looked reluctant.

Ran Qiuye was also curious, but Yang Xiaotao just nodded calmly, knowing in his heart that there was something going on.

"Dragon Boat Festival, hurry up and finish writing before you come out to play."

As Ran Qiuye spoke, Duanwu reluctantly walked into the house.

Yang Xiaotao put his arm around his shoulder and said, "I have a task for you. If you complete it, Dad will make you a braised pork dish right away."

Instantly, Duanwu's big eyes lit up.

Although he was full, he felt he could eat another bowl.

Watching his simple-minded son happily go to get paper and pen, Yang Xiaotao felt somewhat worried.

Their relationship is getting deeper and deeper.

three days later.

When Li Rong learned from Li San that the letter she needed had already reached the Governor's Mansion, her heart immediately jumped.

Meanwhile, news about pagers spread throughout Hong Kong over the past three days under Li San's arrangement, and some people even began to go to Guangdong to inquire about the news.

The result was exactly as rumored, and even more dramatic than the rumors suggested.

Especially those in the underworld, those big shots saw an opportunity. If each of their underlings had one, wouldn't they be able to gather them up immediately?
And horse racing—if we had pagers, buying horses would be so easy.

This is definitely more beneficial than harmful to the spread of the news.

As a result, public outcry grew louder and louder.

A week later, voices also came from the Governor's House, hoping that the telephone company would consider the needs of the people.

On December 10, the telephone company agreed to extend the telephone network into the community.

The community was already prepared and completed all the work in just one day.

On December 13, the base station began construction in the community. On the same day, paging station staff from Yuefu, along with thirty computers, entered the community under the escort of Huo Qubing.

On December 12, the base station was completed and the paging station entered trial operation.

On December 20th, 500,000 pagers arrived in Hong Kong!

(End of this chapter)