Restarting life in Siheyuan

"Brother, it must be boring for you to spend the holidays at home alone."

The first thing the younger sister said to her older brother when she returned home was sarcasm. She and her two sisters had excitedly traveled to Hong Kong with great difficulty, preparing to celebrate a different Spring Festival, but her older brother had left everyone behind and returned to Beijing alone.

"It's okay. I'm sorry for you, but there's nothing I can do. I have a mission and I have to come back."

"We know. Sister Yan Zi told you that you have a mission, and the other sisters didn't ask."

From her younger sister's resentful eyes, Wu Qianqian knew that everyone was disappointed during this Spring Festival. She had made sufficient preparations, but in the end she didn't even get to meet Zhu Xuefeng.

"Next time, I'll accompany you guys next time."

Zhu Xuefeng could only deal with it perfunctorily. He let his youngest sister and second oldest child stay at home for a day, and then hurriedly sent them back to the mountains to visit his second uncle and aunt on his behalf. Although the letter from their hometown said that the two families were now living well, he still had to express his gratitude. Zhu Xuefeng himself was unable to take care of everything, so he could only send his younger brother and sister to make the trip. His younger brother and sister understood this arrangement, and were sent on the long-distance bus with their bags.

"You are so cruel. The two little guys came all the way back, and you let them rest for a day. Then they have to travel for most of the day before they can go back."

Xia Yuhong stood up for the two kids, but Zhu Xuefeng had a way to deal with them. He could just play tricks on them and make them beg for mercy with red faces.

"Alright, alright, you're getting older and you're getting more and more shameless. Take this. Qianqian knew you were upset, so she spent several days making it. Take a good look at it. We can't remember all these numbers. I don't know where you got the energy to come up with so many tricks in half a year."

"Forget it, we've already complained about what we should complain about. Give him the things, or else we'll be sorry for Qianqian. Xuefeng, you have to be nice to Qianqian. Your foundation here is all thanks to her hard work. We can all see that she's working hard and has packed herself with things. She's been up for several nights just to report these things to you."

Xia Yuhong threw a thick stack of materials and reports to Zhu Xuefeng.

"Sister Na, I don't know when we can get together to celebrate the Spring Festival next time. Anyway, I can't ask to go out again in the past two years."

"Me too. My dad will be on secondment to Yunnan University after the summer. I might be in Yunnan City during the next New Year."

Zhu Xuefeng didn't dare to look at the materials and reports first. "This is indeed an accident. Since you two are here, let's discuss the major events in these places together and set a direction for the next few years."

The three of them closed the door and began a new round of information summary in the study.

The two of them couldn't remember the very specific data, so they were all in Wu Qianqian's report, but Lin Na and Xia Yuhong still explained everything very clearly.

Construction of the industrial zone in Xiangjiang has already started. Except for a few buildings, the rest will be put into use around April. That is to say, all factories will now start to relocate in April.

"The headquarters building and the business hotel you two built are too noisy. According to Wu Qianqian, it would be good if it can be completed in three to five years. We have only just hired someone to complete the blueprint design."

"Take your time. This is a must. Sooner or later, we will have our own headquarters building. This time we have been given such a large piece of land, it would be unreasonable not to build a headquarters building. The same goes for the hotel inside. Even though the place is remote now, we will choose a good place. In a few years, it will not be worse than the current Kowloon Island."

"No wonder Qianqian is still thinking about asking the Hong Kong government to acquire land nearby. She really has the same idea as you."

Zhu Xuefeng did not explain. It was necessary to acquire land, the sooner and the more the better. No matter whether it was for industrial or commercial use, he would just develop it first.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's take a look at last year's financial report data."

"You can see it for yourself. Xiaohong and I have seen it."

Lin Na was reading the information sent by the autonomous region. After not seeing them for half a year, there had been earth-shaking changes since they left. Zhu Xuefeng had never told them these things. Looking at the time, they were all before the Spring Festival. It turned out that the man had handled so many major things here alone. The grievances in her heart suddenly eased a lot.

"Xiao Hong, look at this. The autonomous region is now three times larger than when we left, and the population has exceeded one million. Oh my god."

The population density in the central part is much higher than that in the north, which is a natural thing. After taking over the ancient capital of Mandele, the population naturally skyrocketed. After opening up the west and seeing the sea, the territory under its jurisdiction naturally expanded greatly.

Zhu Xuefeng did not pay attention to this. Last year's auction was just in time and provided sufficient funds for Xiangjiang's massive expansion. Even with factories being built in many locations, it can cope with it. Zheng Xun made an indelible contribution to this.

The Hong Kong industry contributed nearly 40 million yen in profits to Zhu Xuefeng each year, almost doubling last year's profit. The profit in Japan and Beijing was also more than expected, close to 6 billion yen, which was a remarkable breakthrough.

The aviation industry is developing rapidly. The existing six aircraft are simply printing money, with profits of more than 1.3 million every month, especially the Beijing-Japan and Athens routes, which are truly golden routes. Now the two foreign companies have repeatedly urged Eastern Airlines to step up coordination with Boeing and demanded that the subsequent ordered passenger aircraft be delivered as early as possible so as to achieve Zhu Xuefeng's promise of 14 flights to and from Europe per week and the opening of other routes between Fuso and Europe.

There was no need for China Eastern Airlines to apply for a loan. Instead, the two companies took the initiative to come to China Eastern Airlines and ask for loans to expand its fleet and open up new routes.

The steel plant has been successfully purchased, and the transaction with North Korea is proceeding as planned. A large amount of resources is sufficient to meet the needs of the steel plant. The industry in Hong Kong is on the track of accelerated development.

My younger brothers and sisters came back after staying in my hometown for a few days, and life returned to what it was before. The days were fulfilling and peaceful.

Until one day Lin Yilan hurried off on a business trip, which once again broke this peace.

"Are you going on a business trip?"

"Well, five people from our factory were detained there. We had to go. They said a murder had occurred and our factory's funds were stolen."

It turned out that last year, in order to fight drought, Yanqing took away a large number of walk-behind tractors and new tricycles from the steel plant. It was not until after the New Year that the funds were available to settle accounts with the steel mill. The steel mill sent a car, two financial and two security personnel to coordinate the work.

After getting the money, it was too late, so the funds were directly deposited in the nearest cooperative. The cooperative was unable to keep the funds, so they were immediately transferred to the town’s Finance Bureau for safekeeping. The Finance Bureau could only lock the funds in a safe and arrange for someone to be on duty to guard them.

As a result, something went wrong. Early in the morning, staff at the Finance Bureau discovered that the staff on duty had been killed and more than 60,000 yuan in payment for goods had disappeared. The people from the steel rolling mill were also suspected and were detained by the local police to assist in the investigation. Naturally, the steel rolling mill was not happy about this.

"So are you going there to help solve the case or to get someone?"

"Of course we need the people, and we also need our factory's money. Director Ma has instructed that we must bring both the people and the money back."

Zhu Xuefeng stopped Lin Yilan who was anxious to go out, "Since you are leading the team this time, this is obviously a test for you. Use your brain more. If the case is not solved, how can you bring back the money?"

Lin Yilan was not stupid, she was just in a hurry for the task. Before she had time to think about it, she understood it as soon as Zhu Xuefeng mentioned it.

"Thank you for your reminder, I know what to do now."

This time the steel rolling mill sent out another car, but it was filled with security personnel. For such a big matter, no section chief showed up, and Lin Yilan was allowed to lead the team.

"It's pressure but also opportunity. Go ahead. I believe you can come back victorious."

Lin Yilan was very meticulous and observant. It was certainly not a coincidence that she had made two achievements at the steel rolling mill in just one year. Zhu Xuefeng believed that she could complete the task. This should be an accidental theft and murder case that happened in a short time. There should be many loopholes and it was impossible that the case could not be solved.

The Yanqing police originally thought so, but the doors and windows at the crime scene were intact. These were sealed iron doors and iron windows. The safe was opened and there were signs of prying, but it did not seem to be pried open. The locking device inside was not damaged. The personnel on duty suffered multiple injuries and died, but there were no signs of fighting in the room, nor any bloodstains from the injuries of a second person. Only a little bloodstain was found by chance on the iron spikes above the iron door of the Finance Bureau.

No more useful clues were found at the scene and the case was in trouble. Several people from the steel rolling mill were restricted in their freedom because they knew about the huge sum of money and the information that it was deposited in the cooperative and then transferred to the Finance Bureau for safekeeping.

All this had nothing to do with Zhu Xuefeng. He was at the vehicle factory accompanying Professor Xu to check the prototype of the environmental sports car. This time, the special sports car team of the steel rolling mill had spent several months to complete the sports car experiment in bad weather. The steel rolling mill attached great importance to it, and the secretary, the factory director and other factory leaders came to express their condolences.

He ignored the lively condolence team and the tired yet excited sports car test team.

As soon as Professor Xu got the records of the sports car, he took Zhu Xuefeng and a group of technicians to inspect the sample car and verify the problems in the sports car. He had always been under a lot of pressure to make a decision for his superiors. He was appointed as the chief engineer here by Old Xia without any achievements. For him, it was a huge burden.

"It looks better than we thought. Except for the problem of diesel melting point in the north, which caused the fuel tank to freeze and could not ignite normally, other minor problems were easy to solve."

Professor Xu was very excited. This prototype car embodied so much of his hard work that he couldn't let it go until he saw the experimental records.

"Congratulations, Professor Xu. This product seems to be very mature. The power steering pump and ABS system have passed rigorous tests. Both technologies can be nominated for the Science and Technology Progress Award this year."

"That's all because of you. You have to be the first one." Professor Xu was also sincerely happy. The subsequent plans could be accelerated. The sports car test team completed the task more than ten days ahead of schedule this time. It was very hard work. They even spent the Spring Festival on the wild road.

"No, don't. I came up with the idea, but you guys are the ones who implemented it. I can't take responsibility for it."

Seeing the lively welcoming scene in the distance and Lao Yang's anxious and inquiring eyes from time to time, Zhu Xuefeng reminded.

"Go quickly, Director Yang is waiting for your inspection conclusion."

Professor Xu then walked over excitedly with the test results in his hand. Old Yang couldn't wait to read the results. When he saw the test conclusion below, he could no longer control himself and handed the conclusion to Secretary Liu.

"Secretary, look, it's done. It's really done. Our steel mill now has its first diesel engine truck!"

Secretary Liu also saw the conclusion, and felt unhappy, but he still handed it to other factory leaders with a smile on his face. Here, Old Xia was already holding Professor Xu's hand tightly.

"Lao Xu, I knew you could do it. You could do it. Hahahaha."

Old Xia was also very excited. Every car maker has a dream of making cars. He has made motorcycles, tricycles, tractors, and three-wheeled vehicles. Now the first truck is about to be officially launched. How can he not be excited?

The inspection conclusion once again returned to Lao Yang's hands. Lao Yang stepped onto the car's pedal, turned around and faced hundreds of people. He excitedly picked up the inspection conclusion and waved his hand. The lively welcome scene immediately quieted down.

"I have good news for you all. Chief Engineer Xu and his team have just conducted a thorough inspection of the prototype and gave me a conclusion that it is qualified. The prototype has passed the harsh environmental sports car test, proving that the truck we designed has reliable performance and excellent quality!"

"Here, I want to thank Professor Xu's entire team. It is you who have used your wisdom and sweat to make the steel mill's car production no longer a dream. Thank you, thank you to the team members who worked tirelessly and returned home with a sports car after driving 10,000 kilometers, thank you to the technicians and all the workers who have silently dedicated themselves at home, thank you!"

Suddenly, thunderous applause broke out at the scene and lasted for a long time. Countless technicians and workers, including the sports car team members, like Professor Xu, shed tears of excitement, wiped them with their shirts, and continued to applaud vigorously.

Director Yang waved his hand, and the scene fell silent. "Now, please allow Secretary Liu from our steel rolling mill to give instructions. Everyone is welcome!"

Secretary Liu looked at the scene where everyone was united and the atmosphere had reached its peak. He sighed slightly. This highlight moment was destined to be Lao Yang's. It was he who insisted and supported Professor Xu in starting a new business. It was he who agreed against all odds to appoint Professor Xu as the chief engineer to be in charge of this project. As a person in charge of cadres, he seemed to be overshadowed at this moment.

But Director Yang asked him to say two sentences, which were necessary. Seeing Old Yang step down from the side step of the truck cab, with a smile on his face, he walked over and was about to step on the step. At this moment, a burst of crisp applause came from a distance, and everyone present reflexively followed suit and applauded. The warm applause interrupted Secretary Liu's thinking, and the few words of encouragement and praise that he had prepared disappeared.

There was a trace of panic in his mind, but fortunately he was experienced in this field, so the smile on his face seemed more sincere. He waved his hand, stepped on the pedal, cleared his throat, and the scene suddenly became quiet.

"Comrades, fellow workers, today will be a memorable day for the steel mill. Thanks to your unremitting efforts, countless comrades have worked together to overcome difficulties and technical challenges, and have achieved today's proud results. I am proud to be a member of the steel mill!"

"It is because of you that the steel mill has achieved such brilliant results. This is the first fruitful result of responding to the call of "marching toward science and technology", and it is worthy of the pride of all of us in the steel mill!"

Secretary Liu put one hand on his waist and waved his hand, seeming to be as powerful as a tiger.

"However, we cannot be complacent. There is no end to technological development. We cannot stop. We must maintain this strong fighting spirit, go further and make greater progress..."

Warm applause rang out at the scene again. Only Zhu Xuefeng, who was standing next to the sample car in the distance, remained indifferent. He leaned against the truck and watched coldly. It was he who led the applause just now.

Looking at the passionate crowd below, Secretary Liu calmed himself down, raised his hand to signal, and the scene became quiet again, with Secretary Liu continuing to speak.

"Director Yang asked me to give instructions just now. I am ashamed. I didn't expect that there was anything that needed my instructions. The instructions from above are very clear, and everyone has completed them very well."

Applause broke out again and it took a long time for the audience to quiet down.

"The most important function of the vehicle factory is to strive to earn foreign exchange for the country. Now we have made remarkable progress. Seeing that everyone is united, I would like to take this opportunity to set a small goal for everyone. How about it?"

There was silence for a moment, but someone immediately responded loudly.

"Secretary, just bring it up!"

"Okay, I like this fighting spirit. As we all know, the foreign exchange quota completed by our vehicle factory last year far exceeded the requirements above. The country has also given strong support to our factory, including our new family quarters. Everyone has seen how good the conditions are. It will be even better in the future. Now the truck project has made great progress. If we don't seize such a good opportunity, we will be sorry for the country's support for us, right..."

Looking at the expectant eyes below, Secretary Liu finally put forward his small goal.

“It’s only February now. Do you have the confidence to go global again with our new products at the spring Canton Fair, create better results, and achieve greater glory than the motorcycle project?”

"Yes! Yes!..."

Secretary Liu was responded to by uniform shouts, as well as the gloomy-faced Old Yang and Old Xia, who were looking at the high-spirited Secretary Liu in a strange way.

The welcome party had already ended. In the small conference room of the vehicle factory, Secretary Liu was expressing his dissatisfaction. As soon as the meeting was over, Director Yang invited all the factory leaders to the conference room and tactfully expressed his concern that the tone of overseas sales of the truck project was set too high. If the Spring Canton Fair failed to get off to a good start, it would greatly dampen the enthusiasm of the majority of workers and technicians.

Secretary Liu said with a cold face, "I just don't understand, Lao Yang. The revolutionary masses have such high fighting enthusiasm, you have seen it yourself, and everyone is very confident. Why do you alone have no confidence? You have less confidence in our own products than ordinary people? I think there is something wrong here..."

"Secretary, Director Yang is not the only one who has this concern. I have it too."

Old Xia also stood up. Secretary Liu's face changed slightly, "Old Xia, tell me what you are talking about."

"I am confident that our factory's new products can complete the production of a batch of products before the spring Canton Fair. I can guarantee this. We will work overtime to organize production and ensure that the secretary's instructions are completed."

Secretary Liu was a little impatient, but still waved his hand in a friendly manner.

"Let's not talk about these. I trust you. You should be in charge of production organization. You are the one who will handle the key issues."

(End of this chapter)