Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 272 Farewell to New York
The neon lights of Manhattan blurred into a hazy band of light in the rain.

Wilson had just finished several interviews and was riding in the bulletproof Mercedes that He Yuzhu had given him, heading to Dongda's office to report to He Yuzhu.

Not long after the car drove off, his driver and bodyguard, Zhang Qiang, the security captain from Hong Kong, spoke up.

“Mr. Wilson, that gray Ford behind us has been following us since then. There was also a Chevrolet that cut in after we came out.”

Wilson's heart tightened. He was being watched after all. But who was it? The FBI? Or a private investigator hired by the Taco family?

"I'm not going to Tokyo University anymore. I'll stick to the normal route, take two detours, and go to my law firm."

"Yes."

Upon arriving at the law firm, Wilson went straight to his office and then dialed He Yuzhu's number.

"Boss, I was supposed to go to Dongda University today, but I found out I was being followed, so I didn't go," Wilson said succinctly.

After a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, He Yuzhu's voice came through, "Understood. From now on, suspend all contact with 'Dongda Technology'. Zhang Qiang and the others will deliver the legal documents you need. In case of emergency, they will contact me."

"Understood. What about the acquisition?"

"For now, you can help them review the legal documents. I've already found someone else to handle the negotiations, or you can introduce someone suitable if you have one."

"Reliable people are hard to find. By the way, we interviewed a few people at Grand Hyatt today, but none of them were particularly suitable."

"Then let's take our time looking. It won't have a big impact for now."

"Okay, boss."

He Yuzhu put down the phone and his gaze fell on the several documents spread out on his desk.

Acquisition plan for AMC four-wheel drive (4WD) system core technology patents; negotiation for the purchase of Xerox PARC graphical user interface (GUI) and Ethernet LAN technology; recruitment plan for Fairchild's core team.

He was a little worried. At this point in time, using an Asian face to discuss these sensitive technologies had a very low success rate and was likely to arouse vigilance and backlash.

So he dialed his home phone.

"Xiaoman."

"Brother Zhu, are you coming back?"

"It will be a while, but I have a problem that I need your help to solve."

"Oh, what could possibly stump a big boss like you?" Xiaoman teased.

"Hehe, I'm not omniscient or omnipotent, so why can't I have difficulties?"

"Tell me what's troubling our Boss He."

"That's how it is," He Yuzhu explained the situation.

"Your problem can be solved. There are quite a few white people in the group, but finding a suitable candidate will require screening, which may take some time."

"You and Ah Lang discuss this matter and send the person over as soon as possible. I'm afraid we'll miss the opportunity."

"I know it's easier to get things done in our own country. It's very difficult in North America, isn't it?"

"Fortunately."

"By the way, how's that luxury hotel of yours? Has the problem been resolved?"

"It's temporarily resolved. Is there anything else going on at home?"

"Everything is fine at home, but it's a bit lively here in Hong Kong."

"Oh, what's all the commotion about?"

"The Queen is visiting Hong Kong!"

"What does this have to do with us? Let them have their fun."

Aren't you worried about any changes happening in Hong Kong?

"It's nothing, she's just going to check on things. By the way, what about Yushui and Siyu? How are they doing in Singapore?"

"I was just about to tell you about this," Xiaoman said with a hint of helplessness. "The two girls are very stubborn. They feel it would be too embarrassing to come back empty-handed before finishing their studies, so they want to continue their education in Singapore."

He Yuzhu frowned: "Are there top universities and majors over there? They're not as good as in North America, are they? Why don't you persuade them to go back to Hong Kong to study, or go to Europe?"

“I’ve tried to persuade them, but it was no use.” Xiaoman sighed. “Yushui said that the engineering department at the National University of Singapore is also very famous, and she wants to give it a try. Siyu, on the other hand, is interested in the law department and says she wants to study the legal environment in Southeast Asia. I think they feel that Singapore is closer to home and they feel more secure there.”

He Yuzhu remained silent for a few seconds.

He understood his daughters' thoughts perfectly well.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Since they insist, let them be. I'll find someone to resolve the student registration issue. Also..." A thought flashed through his mind, "In a while, we might have a lab project in Singapore, highly related to Yu Shui's major (semiconductors). Si Yu is studying law, which will also be useful in technology transfer and intellectual property protection in the future. It's good for them to settle down there for a while, but they must go home during holidays!"

"Lab project? Semiconductors?" Xiaoman keenly grasped the key point.

“Yes.” He Yuzhu did not deny it. “Technology and talent are the key first steps. Therefore, your help in finding people for me is of paramount importance. Only when the technology is in place can the laboratory be established. Singapore is a good springboard and buffer.”

"I understand!" Xiaoman's voice was filled with understanding and excitement. "You're just waiting for the right people to open up the market and 'load' the technology and talent into your basket, right? Don't worry, I'll go find Alang and Chen Sheng right now and dig three feet into the ground to send the right people over as soon as possible! Once you've filled your 'basket,' you can go home!"

"Thank you for your hard work." He Yuzhu's voice softened. "It's so good to have you."

"Well, that's what happens when I'm your wife!" Xiaoman said with a smile. "I'm hanging up now, I'll go call someone!"

"Okay. Beep beep beep..."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu got up, walked to the wall behind the chair, and pulled back the velvet cloth to reveal a huge map of North America.

The following places are marked in red:

1. Burbank, California (Weasel Factory, pseudonym only)

2. Seattle area, Washington (aircraft parts)
3. Tucson, Arizona (Fire Control)
4. Detroit metropolitan area, Michigan (turbocharged, fuel injection)
This is the place he wants to go, but it's not the right time yet. He needs to wait for the people from Hong Kong to come before he can leave with peace of mind.

After watching for a while, He Yuzhu pulled up the velvet cloth, then got up and left the office. He was still not very at ease with Wilson. If the relationship between Dongdahe and Junyue was discovered, Dongda might have to withdraw or change its shell.

He Yuzhu dared not underestimate the people of this era; the lack of advanced technology did not mean they could not find clues.

After two days of counter-surveillance, He Yuzhu confirmed the identities of his pursuers: the FBI and the Gambino family. The new leader of the Gambino family had emerged, and his first act upon taking power was to avenge his predecessor.

However, a lot of time has passed, and they haven't found any clues back then. The only breakthrough now is the Grand Hyatt, and a series of events all started with that Grand Hyatt hotel.

The FBI only took action because the Taco family used their connections to pressure them. The NYPD and the Marine Police had already concluded that the yacht's engine leaked oil, caught fire, and exploded; they genuinely didn't want to get involved.

Then He Yuzhu had someone send a message to Wilson, asking him for advice, since this was in North America and Wilson was a lawyer.

"Boss, Mr. Wilson can handle the FBI. Following procedures, they can't find any evidence against him for now. The problem is those mad dogs from the Mafia; they don't play by the rules and might directly target Mr. Wilson or his family." A reply came quickly from another squad leader, Zhao Tao.

“Understood. The FBI will let Wilson handle it himself. I'll take care of the ‘garbage’ on the other side,” He Yuzhu said.

“Boss, it’s too dangerous for you to go alone. Do you want me to bring a team to help you?” Zhao Tao said.

"No need. You're already in the public eye, so there are definitely people watching you. Just focus on doing a good job with Junyue."

"Yes, but boss, you must be careful, otherwise Manager Shi and Manager Bai will definitely not let us off the hook when we get back."

"Alright, they won't cause you any trouble, so don't worry." He Yuzhu felt a little warmed; his subordinates still cared about him.

"Yes."

A day later, the Gambino family was in the basement of a strip club in Brooklyn called "Golden Banana".

The air was thick with smoke and the stench of alcohol. Johnny Gambino was roaring at his trusted henchmen: "Are you all useless? You managed to get caught with just one person? That lawyer named Wilson definitely knows something! Uncle Paul can't have died in vain! That bastard Roy must have been taken down by them too! Keep a close eye on him! Find a chance to 'invite' him back! And his family too! I refuse to believe we can't pry his mouth open!"

"Boss, why did you take this job?" one of his men asked.

"Not answer? How can Boss Fibich maintain his authority and secure his position if he doesn't answer? Do you want us to be sent to the countryside in New Jersey to eat potatoes? Get out! All of you get out there and get to work! If you lose them again, I'll throw you into the Hudson River to feed the fish!" Johnny roared.

"Yes, boss."

The men got up dejectedly, and one of them was about to pull open the heavy iron door to the basement.

"Pfft! Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!"

Four very faint muffled thuds sounded almost simultaneously.

Johnny and his three henchmen were jolted violently, and bloody holes instantly appeared in their foreheads or the backs of their heads. They collapsed to the ground without uttering a sound.

Then a figure came down from the ventilation duct, ransacked the place, and quietly left.

Upstairs, a stripper who had been waiting for a long time grew impatient and wanted to go downstairs to ask if she could go back to work. She pushed open the door to the secret room, and a strong smell of blood hit her.

"what--!!!"

Screams pierced the club's clamor.

Bodyguards rushed in, gagged her, and dragged her away. The phone was immediately dialed to the new godfather, FIPRESCI Gambino.

The body was secretly removed.

The neon lights of "Golden Banana" still flicker, but the core members of the Gambino family are all clamoring to find the murderer, yet they are all strengthening their bodyguard forces, because no one knows who the next target will be.

The days that followed became Gambino's nightmare.

Johnny's deputy had his throat slit on his way home.

The head of the dock business was found sunk in the Hudson River.

A strategist who was trying to find clues died along with his bodyguard in his mistress's apartment; the scene was so clean it looked like an accident.

Each death was precise, silent, and without any clues.

Fear spread like a virus within the family, making everyone feel insecure and overly suspicious.

Fébig convened an emergency meeting. The room was filled with smoke, and the atmosphere was so oppressive it felt like you could wring water out of it.

Fabiš's voice was hoarse. "Was the killer for Paul? Or that damn hotel? It doesn't matter anymore. He's warning us all."

"Chief, what should we do?"

He glanced around at the leaders: "New York... we can't stay here for now. Pack your things, take the core people and money, and leave New York before dawn. Go to New Jersey, or somewhere further away to lay low."

"What about our territory?" one of the leaders asked unwillingly.

"If you're not afraid of death, you can stay here. I'll take the others with me."

"Understood, Chief."

After the meeting concluded and orders were issued, chaos ensued.

Establishments built up over many years were hastily abandoned, and industries that could not be relocated in time were sold off at low prices or simply discarded.

Under the cover of night, the convoy hastily fled Brooklyn.

In fact, He Yuzhu had already given the New York Police Department a big gift a long time ago, including ledgers, photos, and so on, but they hadn't taken any action yet, so he continued to target them.

Gambino's sudden departure caused an uproar within the police department.

If all the credit is taken, what will we use to claim it?

As a result, police sirens blared through the streets of New York, and the Gambino's lower-class members who were unable to evacuate or were abandoned became scapegoats, being arrested or killed in the chaos and firefights.

The once-mighty Brooklyn empire crumbled overnight, with other factions scrambling for territory. The New York Police Department found themselves even busier after Gambino left.

On the other hand, Wilson used legal means to get the FBI to withdraw as well, though it's possible that it was only done openly.

Over the phone, He Yuzhu instructed him: "Don't contact Dongda recently. Focus on your Junyue business. The CEO needs to be in place as soon as possible. And stop messing around with all that other nonsense."

"Yes, boss, I stopped doing those things a long time ago. I only need to maintain relationships occasionally."

"Be careful."

"clear."

Three days later, in the East Office of Manhattan, He Yuzhu looked at the three white men standing in front of him and couldn't help but secretly admire the talent scouting skills of those from Hong Kong.

The leader was Alan Sheffield, in his early forties, with impeccably combed blond hair. A tailored dark gray suit accentuated his tall and imposing figure, and his gaze was sharp yet composed. He was the former general manager of a European trading company under the Yellow River Group. A graduate of Oxford, he was well-versed in the laws and business negotiations of multiple countries, especially adept at handling sensitive technology transfers. He had spearheaded several "gray" imports involving precision machine tools from Eastern Europe. He was meticulous, bold yet not reckless.

The two behind him were slightly younger. One was Mark Jensen, a PhD in Materials Science from MIT who had worked at Bell Labs. He was headhunted by Huanghe with a high salary to Hong Kong to be in charge of technology evaluation, and he had a keen eye for talent. The other was Thomas Reed, a British negotiation expert born in Hong Kong. He was eloquent, fluent in multiple languages, and had also obtained a law license.

"Boss." The three bowed slightly.

He Yuzhu nodded and pushed three thick folders over: "Welcome everyone. This is the target information for your first task. Allen, you are responsible for leading the negotiations and overall coordination. The principle is 'technology first, price second, but it must be clean.' Attorney Wilson will handle the legal aspects of 'cleanliness.' He is only responsible for the contract and doesn't ask about the technical details. Mark, you are in charge of evaluating the value of all patents, R&D teams, and experimental data. I want to see the most essential things, not just worthless paper. Thomas, the final terms depend on you."

"Understood!" the three replied in unison, picking up the documents and quickly flipping through them.

"The acquisition funds will be injected into the newly established 'Horizon Tech Consulting' through an offshore channel, with Allen in charge. Remember, you are independent business brokers and have no connection with Dongda, Junyue, or Huanghe." He Yuzhu's tone changed abruptly towards the end.

"Understood, boss. Mr. Qiao and Mr. Hong already told us before we set off."

"Also, once you're here, you'll only be responsible to me and report to me, understand?"

"Yes, boss!"

"Alright, take the documents and get to work. I look forward to your debut."

“We will give you a perfect show.” Seeing the Western-style humor in He Yuzhu’s final words, Alan Sheffield gave the appropriate response.

The three bowed again and left He Yuzhu's office.

The office quieted down, and He Yuzhu walked to the window, watching Allen and the other two get into an ordinary Ford sedan and drive away, like a drop of water merging into the traffic of Manhattan.

He has done all the groundwork he could; all that remains is to trust their expertise and his own ability to cover any potential risks.

He turned around, went back to his desk, pulled back the velvet cloth, and took down the map from the wall, storing it in his storage space.

Then, after leaving the office, I told the person in charge at Dongda University that I would be away for a while and that I didn't need to contact him because he would call me back if I couldn't reach him. If I encountered any problems that I couldn't handle, I could call Mr. Qiao in Hong Kong.

The person in charge was already used to the boss disappearing from time to time, but still asked a question.

"Do we need to help with the acquisition by the boss?"

"Of course we'll help. You've done all the preliminary work, but you might as well step forward. Remember to give us your full support; all I care about is the results."

"clear."

After leaving the office building, He Yuzhu found a public phone booth and dialed Wilson's number. He spoke for several minutes before hanging up.

Wilson, sitting opposite him, was already sweating profusely. It seemed his boss was going to wash his hands of the business, and they would be busy with this later.

Then He Yuzhu called Zhang Qiang and Zhao Tao, instructing them to ensure security and to expedite the new security company's arrangements, promising that Wilson would assist them.

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu hailed a taxi and left the area where the office building was located.

　You all figured out who it was in the last two chapters, right? Don't think I wrote something inexplicable just because you didn't!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)