Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 158 He, do you want the steel mill?

After the meeting, Dean Huang kept He Yuzhu behind alone. What did he want to do? He wanted to ask him if he had any other formulas in mind, especially for steel used in the military industry.

He Yuzhu frankly admitted that he didn't understand, but he did have a few formulas, and the specific effects would have to be studied by Steel General Manager himself.

Old Huang immediately asked him to write it down and even had someone from a special department guard the door for him.

He went to General Manager Feng's office, and after talking about something, he came back and looked at He Yuzhu writing.

He Yuzhu didn't finish writing until he got off work. He copied it on the spot. Finding information online wasn't easy either, there was too much and too many different sources.

As soon as he wrote one copy, the engineer brought by Dean Huang 'snatched' it away. He then started doing calculations on the side. After he finished a part of the calculations, the engineers' smiles never stopped.

Lunch is delivered here; it's a private meal, not the kind of awful stuff you get in the cafeteria.

Until He Yuzhu said, "Dean Huang, that's all I remember."

Dean Huang stood up with a smile and came over to shake He Yuzhu's hand: "Little He, thank you so much. You have been a great help to us. Otherwise, we would have wasted a lot of time if we had to do the research ourselves."

"Of course, of course. I just thought these were useful to us, so I wrote them down. It's just that there wasn't enough time, so I could only write down this much."

"Work hard, young comrade. If you're not happy here, you can come work for us."

"Thank you, Dean Huang, but I'm not cut out for research."

“You can come work for us,” said Team Leader Fang.

"I'm sorry, Team Leader Fang, your work is not suitable for me. Besides, I just came down from the front lines and now I only want to contribute to the construction of our country." He Yuzhu politely declined.

Team Leader Fang was about to say something when Dean Huang interrupted, "Little Fang, you don't need to think about it. Going to your place would be a waste of Little He's skills."

"How is it a waste?" Team Leader Fang protested.

"He speaks four languages, studied mechanical and civil engineering, and now he even knows some materials science. What else would someone like that do if not construction?"

"But he's on the battlefield!"

"The Korean Peninsula is already under peace talks. Our future direction is development. I will discuss this with your leaders. If that doesn't work out, I will go to my old brigade commander and my former teacher."

"I understand."

"Xiao He, we'll send the person over soon. As for the gold and luxury goods you mentioned, we'll have to wait a bit longer. The country doesn't have the money."

"it is good."

"Alright, I've taken up so much of your time. Go home now. Come visit our Steel General Manager when you have time. He's practically your second home now."

"Yes."

After He Yuzhu left, he hadn't gone far when he could still hear Dean Huang inside, his voice suppressed with anger.

However, he did not go home. Instead, he was stopped by Director Zhang, who took him to General Manager Feng's office.

There was no reprimand, only encouragement. Their company was founded to do these things well, and now that they can do even better, they will only support them.

When they came out, Director Zhang apologized, saying that he had been rude to He Yuzhu that morning. He Yuzhu quickly replied, "Director, I also had my own problems. I haven't apologized to you yet."

"No need, no need. We need to be careful with these technical things. Remember to let us know next time. After all, we know more people in other industries. Also, there's the issue of confidentiality."

"Okay, I understand. Xiao Zheng and his team are researching outdated bridge steel from the Russians."

"It's good that you know what you're doing." Director Zhang patted He Yuzhu on the shoulder. This new subordinate was putting a lot of pressure on him.

A few days later, the technical personnel from the steel company arrived. When He Yuzhu saw them, he realized it was a small inspection team.

Engineers involved in various aspects of steel, including steelmaking, rolling, and materials.

The office, which was somewhat empty before, suddenly became full. Everyone quickly became familiar with each other, but they usually only talked about technical matters and never discussed going to Russia.

Raising funds with the steel company was incredibly difficult, involving begging and pleading. It even made Dean Huang a little frustrated.

But after receiving a call from He Yuzhu's company, the old man's face lit up with a big smile. The problem that had been troubling him was solved just like that. In fact, it was the person who made the request who solved it himself.

After going through a series of procedures, the orders for steel and new rolling mills from Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill finally reached the hardware and electrical import company.

The above remarks delighted the company leaders, who instructed the fourth department in charge of steel procurement to handle the matter, and for the shareholders of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill to pay the procurement costs in cash according to their shareholding ratio.

This wasn't a case of someone offering a pillow when you're sleepy; they called Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill directly and found out that it was He Yuzhu who had done it.

General Manager Feng and Director Zhang wondered if He Yuzhu had anticipated that someone would come to him to complete an even more difficult task, which was why he gave the steel mill's shareholders such a suggestion.

That's not important right now. What's important is getting the funds back from the shareholders so that He Yuzhu and his team can set off.

Director Zhang personally led the team to handle the money matter, and although they only received a deposit, it should be enough.

A small box of gold, and another small box of what He Yuzhu called luxury goods—the shareholders were overjoyed to hear that they could use these things to get a discount.

Time flew by and it was already late March. He Yuzhu and his group finalized their itinerary and set off for Russia in early April.

After telling his family, it was obvious that all the adults were quite downcast, but the children were overjoyed, as He Yuzhu's departure meant he would bring back gifts.

The old lady and Chen Lanxiang chatted with He Yuzhu for a long time, telling him to be careful outside and eat on time. Afterwards, Chen Lanxiang started preparing his things for going out, afraid that he might forget something.

Wang Cuiping also spoke with He Yuzhu, reminding him to be careful and that the mission could be completed next time, as this was not a battlefield.

Wang Hongxia, who had received the letter, also came over and said that He Yuzhu could rest assured because someone from Zhao Fengnian's side had subtly conveyed a message to take care of He Yuzhu's family.

You could tell something was up just by listening to what the couple did, but organizational discipline prevented them from asking. They could only tell He Yuzhu to focus on doing what he was supposed to do.

On April 1st, He Yuzhu and a group of about ten people embarked on their journey to Russia again. A car came to pick him up early in the morning, saving his family from seeing him off, as the farewell scene was not pleasant.

Old Wei didn't go this time; he's still working on the statistics for those bridges. You don't know until you do it, and the more you delve into it, the more you realize how many things are missing. Also, the trip is too far, and Old Wei's health isn't up to it.

So he stayed home to guard the house. On the way, He Yuzhu's large box never left everyone's sight, as it contained the key to this mission.

However, what they didn't know was that He Yuzhu had already switched the items to reduce trouble.

After passing Manzhouli and entering Russia, some new people boarded the train and someone came to meet He Yuzhu.

The man left behind the contact information for the liaison point in Moscow, along with a Tokarev T33 rifle and two magazines for He Yuzhu, and then left.

After He Yuzhu and his group arrived in Moscow, He Yuzhu went out by himself, and no one asked him where he was going.

Before they left, their family had already told them the general situation and what they should pay attention to. They also specifically emphasized that He Yuzhu was the leader of this trip, and everyone had to obey his orders.

When He Yuzhu arrived at the rendezvous point and made contact, the people there thought he was going to talk about the rendezvous or ask how to contact the people in Kyiv.

Unexpectedly, He Yuzhu startled them from the very beginning. He Yuzhu asked them to provide a list of all the military-to-civilian and integrated military-civilian factories and research institutions in Moscow when he returned.

"Comrade He, what are you going to do?"

"It's always better to be prepared, isn't it?"

"We can help, but we need to report to our superiors first."

"this is necessary."

Why didn't you mention it before?

Is there anything safer than talking face-to-face?

"That's true. What about Kyiv?"

"Yes, but you'd better send someone to inform them."

"Okay, here's the contact information from Kyiv. How many days will you be staying in Moscow?"

"It shouldn't be too long. I plan to contact you again when I return from the Azov steel plant in Kyiv. You need to hurry."

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements after you leave."

"There's something else I've told you about at home."

"What's the matter? Is it a problem with the data transportation?"

"I told you, we'll arrange for a batch of trucks to transport them back to China. They should be able to fit them all on the trucks."

"I don't know, but the more the better."

"I understand. By the way, this is the funding that the organization asked us to give you. The money didn't come easily, so please spend it sparingly." The liaison handed He Yuzhu a large file bag.

He Yuzhu opened it, glanced at it, and solemnly said, "I guarantee that every penny will be spent where it's needed."

"That's fine, that's fine."

"Alright, I'm leaving now. See you when I get back, and I'll treat you to a meal then."

"Let's skip the meals, it's too expensive." "Do you have a place to cook? I'm a cook."

"Oh? Really? Then we're definitely having this meal. Comrades have been craving home-cooked food for a long time."

"Then it's settled. Take care."

"Take care of yourself."

He Yuzhu and his team spent three days in Moscow, mainly visiting local libraries and universities. The engineers were so captivated by the technical books that they couldn't tear themselves away. Oh, and I forgot to mention, most of these engineers speak Russian.

He Yuzhu said to them, "There will be more in the future."

These people reluctantly left with He Yuzhu.

Upon arriving in Kyiv, He Yuzhu did not stop but directly transferred to the Azov Steel Plant.

Upon arriving at the steel plant gate, the security guard made a phone call for He Yuzhu. Soon after, a burly figure rushed out and gave He Yuzhu a bear hug: "He, you've finally arrived! I've missed you so much!"

"Do you miss me, or do you miss the food I cooked?" He Yuzhu joked.

"Yes, yes, hahaha, let's go to the place I've arranged for you to stay. You've brought quite a few people this time, is there anything special you need?"

"We'll talk on the way."

"it is good."

While walking, Mihai told He Yuzhu that he had been promoted and was now the deputy director of the sales department. He Yuzhu congratulated him.

Mihai said, "You're just congratulating me like this?" He Yuzhu replied, "You prepare the ingredients. Let's meet at our usual place tonight. I'll get you something good to eat."

"That's more like it, hahaha!"

When arranging accommodations, Mihai made a phone call. After He Yuzhu and the others had settled in, Mihai led He Yuzhu and his group to the large courtyard.

Before long, someone brought meat, vegetables, and wine, and the group of people were busy helping with washing vegetables and such.

Mihai pulled He Yuzhu aside and said, "He, what procurement tasks do you have this time? I know that you're the only one left contacting our factory on your side."

Do you sell rolling mills? What about steelmaking equipment?

"Oh, aren't you in charge of purchasing steel? How come you're involved in these things too?"

"You got promoted, so can't I get a promotion too?"

"Ah, so you got promoted too. That's great news! We'll have to have a few more drinks later."

"you sure?"

"Ah, haha, hahaha!" Mihai laughed awkwardly. He was the loser at the drinking table. If he had drunk a few more drinks, he would have been under the table again.

"Since you've asked, and I've already told you, can you do it?"

"It's possible, but would you know how to use it if you brought it back?"

“These people are here to do this, can we let them go and learn?” He Yuzhu said, pointing to the engineers.

"This is a bit difficult. I still have the things from last time, and I also have gold," He Yuzhu said in a low voice.

“I’ll give it a try, but I’ll need to pull some strings to get you a cook position,” Mikhail said through gritted teeth.

"No problem, I'll be there whenever you need me."

"Hey, how did I end up making a friend like you? You always give me difficult questions."

"Come on, I have a feeling you're secretly pleased. You might get promoted to section chief this time."

"It's difficult; I don't have enough qualifications."

"You really have this in mind. No wonder you wanted me to come so much. It turns out I'm just a stepping stone for you."

"Don't put it so harshly. We're not just using each other, no, we're helping each other. Yes, that's exactly what we're doing."

"Since we're helping each other out, then you should put in a little more effort."

"it is good."

More people arrived during the meal, and Mihai highlighted the engineers and senior technicians to He Yuzhu and his group, encouraging them to get to know each other better.

Another group of Russians were carried back after this meal. Of course, a few of He Yuzhu's group who couldn't hold their liquor were also carried back.

The next morning, He Yuzhu took the order and went to the factory by himself. The security guard recognized him when he came last time, registered him, and let him in.

Upon arriving at Mikhail's office, I sent him the order. Mikhail glanced at it and said, "The quantity of steel is fine. I can even give you some more, but of course you'll have to pay for it."

"No problem, the more the better. What about rolling mills and other equipment?"

"I need to report to my supervisor. Please wait for me a moment."

Not long after, Mikhail returned and said that the rolling mill was fine, but the steelmaking equipment was a bit of a problem because it was too big.

He Yuzhu said, "Even taking it apart won't work?"

"Small parts can be transported, but large ones cannot be transported by train unless they are shipped. There's nothing we can do about it."

Can you help me contact other factories?

"I don't know, we'll have to try."

"Then you can ask around for me. If that doesn't work, sell me the smaller ones first. By the way, can you sell me the blueprints and documents?" He Yuzhu asked in a low voice.

"Well, I don't know either. Let me ask," Mihai said, lowering his voice.

"Okay, I'll wait for your news. We can start producing the steel and ship it directly. Someone will settle the payment with you, and the same goes for the rolling mill."

"Okay, I'll go to the production department later."

"Don't forget what my people need to learn."

"Can't forget."

"Then I'll go now, so as not to disturb your work."

"Wait, you need to help cook dinner tonight. I think it's better to discuss the blueprints outside."

"No problem, I can do it. I can make ten meals."

"It's settled then, ten meals, don't try to renege on your promise."

"No problem, I'm off."

He Yuzhu put in a lot of effort for dinner that night, not only cooking but also drinking with the guests. In the end, they didn't get the blueprints, but they had new information: a steel plant near the Black Sea was going to be demolished and rebuilt, and they asked He Yuzhu and his team if they were interested in the equipment inside.

He Yuzhu's original purpose was not the blueprints. He just bought small parts. Once the furnace was up and running, with so many Russian experts in China, wouldn't people be suspicious?
He Yuzhu immediately said that he could call back home to ask, and that he should be 90% sure.

The person who gave the information was overjoyed, as many items that were originally planned to be scrapped and recycled could now be sold for money, which brought many benefits.

The next day, He Yuzhu called the company. Director Zhang was excited when he heard the call, but he couldn't make the decision himself. He told He Yuzhu to call back in an hour and then went to see the boss.

Then Mr. Feng reported it to his superiors, and the reply was quick: yes, but more specific information and prices were required.

When He Yuzhu called again, Zhang Weimin told him his request, and He Yuzhu told him to wait for news before hanging up.

Then He Yuzhu contacted the person who gave him the information through Mihai, and on a weekend, He Yuzhu, along with the steelmaking engineers, went to that small steel plant with them.

When I got there, I realized that this steel plant was small compared to the Azov steel plant, but it was considered a large steel plant in the country, with an annual output of 80 tons. Because of the Azov steel plant, this plant was not needed.

After the visit, the domestic engineers confirmed that the equipment was usable.

They started haggling. He Yuzhu's goal was to buy it back at the price of scrap metal, but of course the other party wouldn't agree. They had finally found a fat sheep, and they had to rip it off.

At this moment, Mihai kept giving him meaningful glances, and He Yuzhu nodded.

Mihai immediately told He Yuzhu and the others to go out and continue looking around, and then he invited those people to dinner, of course asking them to provide a place to cook.

The head of the steel mill expressed his confusion. The person who gave them the information also hoped to facilitate the deal, so he told them they would know once they tasted it.

Then He Yuzhu won them over with just one meal, followed by watches, gold, and so on. The purchase agreements were signed immediately, at a price slightly lower than finished steel but slightly higher than scrap iron.

Then we discussed the relevant materials, and the steel mill agreed to provide them, and even said they would arrange for experts to help install and debug the equipment.

He Yuzhu also took precautions against them, and immediately had the documents inventoried and then sealed them away.

(End of this chapter)