Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 260 Oil, Oil

After He Yushui and Wang Siyu left, the He family was in a low mood. Although the family members didn't say it, they were all feeling bad.

It's not that I'm blaming He Yuzhu, but He Yushui and Wang Siyu have never traveled far from home, let alone to the other side of the world. How could I not be worried?

A week after receiving news that the two girls had arrived safely, the He family held a family meeting.

The old lady spoke first: "Zhu Zi, will Yu Shui and Si Yu be able to manage outside? Yu Shui is so stubborn and has a lot on her mind..."

The old lady was referring to two people, but she was actually more worried about He Yushui. Wang Siyu's personality was similar to the boy's, so she was alright.

He Daqing sat beside him, silently smoking, smoke swirling around him, his brows furrowed tightly: "Yes, Zhuzi. That girl Yushui has never suffered such injustice since she was little, nor has she ever been this far from home. She's completely unfamiliar with the place..."

Chen Lanxiang, who was sitting to the side, also had red and swollen eyes. It would be strange if she didn't feel sorry for her own daughter.

She didn't think much of the fighting as long as she could see them at her doorstep, but she felt uneasy when she couldn't see them anymore.

"Zhu Zi, have you... have you made all the arrangements? Is that university reliable? Where will she stay? Who will take care of her? Is there enough money? What if... what if she does something rash..." She couldn't finish her sentence, her voice choked with sobs.

He Yuzhu's gaze swept over the worried faces of his family members.

He said, "Father, Mother, Madam, Grandfather, am I the kind of person who doesn't act reliably? Don't worry, everything is arranged."

“It’s a good school. Bald Eagle University is an Ivy League school, and Siyu also went to that school. The two of them can look after each other. They don’t have to worry about tuition or accommodation fees.”

"Don't worry about their daily life. Those two girls should be able to cook and do laundry by themselves."

“I heard it’s very chaotic over there,” Chen Lanxiang said.

“I’ve made arrangements for their safety. Lao Bai has already sent people over ahead of time to protect them as ‘life assistants’ and ‘drivers.’ If they don’t like living in the dorms, there are houses available for them over there, which are very close to the school.”

"When will they be back?" the old lady asked.

"They'll have to take a break eventually, for about six months. They can make phone calls now, so they'll call once the phone line is installed over there."

"Can I make a phone call?" Chen Lanxiang asked.

"Yes, we also need to change the wiring here. It should be done in a few days." He Yuzhu nodded.

"It would be best if I could make a phone call."

"If you miss her, just call her later. We can afford to pay for the phone calls."

"it is good."

"All I can do is ensure that she is absolutely safe and comfortable materially, and that she is not mistreated. As for her emotional hurdles... she can only get through them on her own. Time heals all wounds. Going out for a walk, changing her environment, and broadening her horizons may not be a bad thing for her."

The old lady nodded: "The arrangements are very thorough. Zhuzi, thank you for your trouble."

He Daqing also stubbed out his cigarette: "Yeah, this way we can feel a little more at ease. It's just... sigh."

Chen Lanxiang wiped her eyes: "It's very thoughtful, but... but Mother is still worried. Zhuzi, after a while, when she's calmer, could... could we go see her?"

“Sure,” He Yuzhu replied. “Once she’s settled in and adapted over there, I’ll make arrangements. You, Dad, Madam, and Grandpa can all go and stay with her for a while.”

"I'm too old to go through all that trouble. I've heard that even flying takes a very long time," the old lady refused outright.

"I'm not going to make a fuss anymore. Anyway, that girl only comes back once every six months," said Grandpa Chen.

“Then your father and I will also take a look at the situation,” Chen Lanxiang said.

"Okay, it's up to you. There's no business there right now, but if there is in the future, I might have to go too. Transportation will also become more and more convenient in the future."

“Okay, we’ll feel more at ease if you tell us, otherwise we’ll always be worried,” the old lady said.

“She’s my sister, how could I not care about her?” He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"we know."

"As for Lin Guozheng, I'll briefly explain." He Yuzhu then gave a brief overview of the situation.

"Oh, what's going on here?" He Daqing sighed.

"Alright, leave the task of calming Yushui to your mother and me, and your Aunt Ping. That girl is just saying it; she doesn't really hate you as her brother," the old lady said.

"I know," He Yuzhu said, but he didn't really think so. If he couldn't get over this hurdle, He Yushui would probably have to go through more before she could understand.

In short, time and distance will erode everything. It's strange, really. People like this would probably have been dragged out and shot during the strictest times in China, so how could they still be police officers?
It was January 2018.

The massive oil storage tank complex at the Tseung Kwan O oil depot Phase II gleams with a cold, silvery-gray light under the sunlight, while the oil pipelines meander like a giant steel dragon.

"Boss, this is the latest transportation schedule." A Lang handed a document to He Yuzhu. "As per your request, we've mobilized almost all the tankers we could, and even chartered some foreign vessels at high prices. The current situation is that almost our own fleet is at sea, either transporting oil here or on its way back to the Middle East to load oil. The volume has increased, but the cost... freight rates are rising, and the proportion of empty ships returning is too high."

Xiaoman, He Yuxin, Chen Sheng, and others were all in the office.

All eyes were on He Yuzhu, filled with the same confusion.

He Yuzhu flipped through the report without looking up: "Don't worry about the cost, keep shipping, ship as many ships as you can. Tell the fleet to operate at full speed, no matter the cost. Chen Sheng, have someone keep a close eye on the loading points in the Middle East to ensure priority."

"Yes, boss."

"Brother Zhu, isn't this a bit of a loss? What if we end up losing money on shipping as well?"

Perhaps everyone had approached Xiaoman before the meeting, asking her to persuade the stubborn He Yuzhu, so Xiaoman made an exception and spoke up. Usually, she would just listen at such meetings and only speak when it involved finance.

He Yuzhu put down the documents and glanced at everyone: "Is this what you all think?"

Everyone nodded.

"I can't explain the reasons in detail right now. You'll find out soon enough. Remember, time is running out." His tone left no room for argument.

"Yes, boss!" everyone replied in unison.

Despite everyone's doubts, their long-standing, almost blind trust and awe of He Yuzhu temporarily suppressed their questions. After all, the results would be out soon, so they just waited.

Throughout September, the massive fleet of ships in the Yellow River system, like tireless worker bees, frantically shuttled between the Persian Gulf and Hong Kong.

The reserves at the Tseung Kwan O oil depot are accumulating at an alarming rate, with the massive oil storage tank complex being continuously filled with black "liquid gold".

The exorbitant freight and empty-load costs were spent like water, making the finance department shudder, but no one dared to say a word.

Time quietly slipped into October.

Saturday, October 10.

The morning in Hong Kong carries a touch of weekend laziness.

Inside the He family villa, He Yuzhu was having breakfast with the old lady and Mr. Chen, while soothing music played from the radio in the living room.

Suddenly, the music stopped abruptly and was replaced by a rapid news broadcast:

"…Breaking news! Egyptian and Syrian forces launched a full-scale offensive against Israel in the early hours of this morning (October 6th local time)! War has broken out! The conflict involves the east bank of the Suez Canal and the Golan Heights…"

"Clatter!" He Yuxin's chopsticks fell onto the table.

Xiaoman was also stunned, muttering, "They've started fighting..."

He Yuzhu remained calm, as if he had expected this all along.

He picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and said to Xiaoman and He Yuxin, "Xiaoman, Yuxin, let's go, we have to go to the company."

“Okay,” the two replied hastily.

Upon arriving at the company, He Yuzhu instructed the Middle East side to expedite the loading of oil and expedite its departure from the port, ensuring that all oil was shipped out within ten days.

The command was executed efficiently, and this time no one asked why.

In the following ten days or so, the world situation changed dramatically.

The scale of the war far exceeded expectations, with conflict raging in the Middle East. International oil prices skyrocketed, experiencing violent fluctuations, and panic spread throughout the global energy market.

Meanwhile, at the Tseung Kwan O oil depot Phase II control center, a huge electronic display screen has been erected, showing real-time international crude oil futures prices and Yellow River Industrial's massive inventory data.

All the high-ranking officials from the Yellow River who have visited this place leave with an indescribable sense of excitement.

On October 16, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) meeting was held. October 17 was a day that will be recorded in the annals of world economic history.

The news spread like wildfire, instantly reaching every corner of the globe via radio waves:

"...OAPEC has announced a resolution! In support of Arab countries against Israel and its supporters, an oil embargo will be imposed on several countries, including the United States, Western Europe, and Japan, effective immediately! At the same time, Gulf oil-producing countries have announced significant production cuts and unilaterally raised crude oil prices!"

"boom!"

The whole world is in an uproar, especially in major oil-consuming countries.

"Reduce production! Impose an embargo!" Chen Sheng cried out, his eyes fixed on the newspaper in his hand, his fingers trembling slightly from the force of his grip.

He turned around abruptly and looked at the huge inventory display board behind him—the numbers representing Huanghe Industrial's inventory on it now shone with a dazzling golden light in his eyes!
"My God..." an engineer muttered to himself, his face flushed with shock, "The boss... the boss..."

Chen Sheng vigorously wiped his face, looked at everyone who was equally stunned, and said in a slightly trembling voice, "When the boss told us to risk our lives in September... he... he..."

He didn't dare to continue.

"Work hard, and the boss will definitely reward you." Then he changed the subject.

"Yes, Vice President Chen."

Financial Warfare Lab

Xiaoman watched as the international crude oil futures price on the projection screen soared like a runaway horse after the embargo announcement, and then compared it with Huanghe Industry's massive physical inventory, whose cost was far below the current market price, and her heart pounded wildly.

She finally understood why Brother Zhu didn't care about the previous "costs" at all!
Faced with the impending price surge, the shipping cost is practically negligible!
In the days that followed, the already volatile curve of international crude oil futures prices surged almost vertically upwards at the moment the news of the embargo and production cuts was announced, as if injected with a violent engine!

$3.01…$3.50…$4.00…$4.50… The numbers jumped wildly, and each refresh on the projected screen brought a suppressed gasp.

But they haven't received any instructions and can only watch helplessly.

"Brother Zhu!" Xiaoman's slightly anxious voice came through the internal phone, "Crude oil prices are skyrocketing! What should we do?"

"Xiaoman, $12."

"What?" Xiaoman thought she had misheard. The current price had just broken through $5, and the gap to $12 seemed insurmountable.

"I'll tell Chen Sheng and his men not to touch the spot inventory; you just need to know that. As for the futures positions, close them all out when the price reaches $12 per barrel, regardless of market sentiment! Don't be greedy, not even a point!"

"12 US dollars?!" Xiaoman gasped.

That target price seems absolutely insane right now.

But she instantly understood what He Yuzhu meant: lock in an absolute high profit, secure the gains, and avoid the risks of possible sharp market pullbacks or uncontrollable political interference.

This is the most ruthless yet safest harvesting strategy.

"Yes, Brother Zhu! $12, close all positions!" Xiaoman suppressed the shock in her heart and immediately gave the trading team a firm order.

The traders stared at the soaring prices on the screen, some with a mixture of fervor and awe, others still unable to believe that prices could reach such heights.

However, He Yuzhu's orders were their rallying cry, as had been proven in the previous instances.

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu dialed another tenant's number.

"Chen Sheng".

"Boss, give the order!" Chen Sheng's voice trembled with excitement as he stared intently at the massive numbers in the oil depot's inventory. They were no longer just cold, impersonal reserves, but a flowing river of gold!
"From this moment forward, the Tseung Kwan O oil depot is on high alert. Security is at its highest level. All personnel and vehicles entering and exiting must possess special passes and undergo the most stringent checks by Shih Bin Security Company. Not a single drop of oil is allowed to leak out without my signature! All oil supply plans for contracted clients will be strictly executed according to the contracts, but ensuring the safety of the oil depot is the top priority. Anyone or any force attempting to inquire about or interfere with the oil depot, regardless of who they are, will be apprehended first and reported later!"

"Understood, boss!"

Then He Yuzhu made another phone call.

“Ah Lang”.

"boss!"

"Fleet, all empty ships that have finished unloading, immediately return to the Middle East at full speed! Tell them to get to the loading point as quickly as possible, at all costs! The situation in the Middle East is constantly changing, so grab as many ships as you can! Subsequent transport plans will be adjusted as needed based on the evolving situation!"

"Yes, boss! The fleet is on its way! They're going crazy, sailing incredibly fast, hoping to make as much money as possible."

"Hopefully they can make money." He Yuzhu remained noncommittal; whether they could actually succeed was another matter entirely.

Time slipped by as oil prices soared to near-hysterical levels, marking the end of 1973 and the beginning of 1974.

Financial War Room.

The huge projection screen was still lit, but the fluctuating international crude oil futures price curve on it finally began to show signs of fatigue.

Although the war in the Middle East has not completely subsided, the peak of panic caused by the oil embargo has passed, and the market is searching for a new equilibrium amidst the lingering shock.

Xiaoman watched as the last few huge sell orders on the screen were quickly absorbed by the market in the "$12.35" price range. She breathed a sigh of relief and clearly ordered into the microphone: "All crude oil futures positions, confirm closing! Notify the finance department to immediately calculate the final profit and loss!"

As soon as the command was given, the entire room erupted in an uncontrollable, low cheer.

The traders, whose nerves had been on edge for months, finally relaxed, high-fiving each other with deep respect for their boss.

Xiaoman stared at the final average closing price on the screen—$12.18—and the enormous, breathtaking profit figure next to it, her heart still pounding.

The profits from this futures trading operation, executed with precise prediction and ruthless command by He Yuzhu, are enough to create several more "Yellow River Industries".

The following day, at the top-floor office of Yellow River Industry.

He Yuzhu stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking Victoria Harbour.

The sunlight outside the window was perfect, reflecting off the gantry cranes of Wharf Holdings and the faintly visible silver tank tops of the Tseung Kwan O oil depot in the distance.

Xiaoman, He Yuxin, Chen Sheng, Alang, and Shi Bin stood quietly behind him, their faces filled with undisguised excitement and exhilaration.

A summary report was placed on He Yuzhu's large mahogany desk.

“Brother Zhu,” Xiaoman’s voice trembled slightly, “the futures positions have been closed out entirely as instructed, between $11.65 and $12.5, with an average transaction price of $12.18. After deducting all transaction costs, margin interest, and initial investment, the net profit…” she quoted an astronomical figure.

A collective gasp filled the room; despite being mentally prepared, the sheer shock of the number was still beyond their wildest expectations.

He Yuzhu didn't turn around, but simply gave a soft "hmm," as if it were just an expected outcome.

He Yuxin then reported: "In terms of spot goods, the Tseung Kwan O oil depot Phase I and Phase II are fully stocked. Based on the current market price, even after deducting our relatively low initial purchase cost and huge transportation expenses, the estimated value of the crude oil in stock is already several times the initial purchase cost. Moreover, we have strictly guaranteed the supply to our core customers in accordance with the contract, our reputation remains intact, and our bargaining power is unprecedentedly strong."

Chen Sheng added, "Boss, security is all normal, and the oil depot is impregnable. There were indeed a few groups of unknown forces that tried to investigate or even cause trouble, but they were all cleanly and efficiently blocked by Shi Bin's men, without causing the slightest disturbance."

Ah Lang's face showed signs of travel fatigue, but his eyes shone brightly: "Regarding the fleet, the tankers we rushed to transport in the early stages were mostly loaded and left before the situation became most tense and port controls were tightened. Although some ships were subsequently affected by the embargo and regional tensions, resulting in some being stranded in port or forced to detour and costs increasing dramatically, the cargo on each of those ships that we managed to salvage is now priceless. In addition, using some of the funds from futures trading, we have, as you instructed, urgently placed an order for five new 100,000-ton tankers, which are expected to be delivered within two years."

Shi Bin nodded steadily: "Boss, the overseas security network has also taken this opportunity to strengthen its deployment, especially in key nodes in the Middle East and North America, where manpower and equipment have been upgraded."

He Yuzhu finally turned around, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone. He walked to his desk, picked up the report, and quickly flipped through the key data.

"Well done." His evaluation was still concise, but this affirmation made everyone present feel that the past few months of torment and crazy efforts were all worthwhile.

“One-third of the profits from futures trading will be injected into the group’s reserves to cope with subsequent expansion and possible financial fluctuations; one-third will be used to pay for new fleet orders, port expansion (including preliminary planning for the Tseung Kwan O Phase III oil depot), and technological upgrades to the refinery; the remaining one-third will be distributed as special bonuses and project dividends according to the previously agreed proportions.” He Yuzhu’s voice was calm and powerful, clearly allocating this enormous wealth.

“Spot inventory,” he paused, “is our ballast for dealing with future changes in the energy landscape. Don’t rush to cash out; maintain reasonable inventory levels to ensure supply to Hong Kong and core areas, and let prices follow the market. Chen Sheng, maintain the status quo in oil depot management and security levels; do not relax your vigilance.”

"Yes, boss!" Chen Sheng replied solemnly.

"Ah Lang, keep a close eye on new ship orders; the size of our fleet is our lifeline. We should offset the losses from port delays and detours from our overall profits and reassure the crew."

"Understood, boss!"

"Xiaoman, after the funds are deposited, don't rush to exchange them for currency. Reassess all of the group's assets. After this crisis, the asset valuation system in Hong Kong and even globally will be reshaped. We must be aware of this."

“Okay, Brother Zhu!” Xiaoman and He Yuxin responded at the same time.

“Shi Bin, our overseas influence continues to grow. With our wealth skyrocketing, there will only be more covetous eyes. I don’t want to see any unexpected attacks on the group’s core members and assets.”

"Don't worry, boss! It's foolproof!" Shi Bin's voice was firm and resolute.

"The oil crisis has temporarily passed, but a new order is just beginning. Everyone should do their job well."

"Yes, boss!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices filled with unprecedented confidence and strength.

(End of this chapter)