Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 279 The Foundation of Lion City
The typhoon hit them almost head-on, and the bad news came: the fleet of the shipping magnate was in trouble. One 10,000-ton bulk carrier capsized and sank, and two other cargo ships were severely damaged. Although the crew members were rescued with all their might, there were still major casualties, and the loss of cargo was even more devastating!
Considering that all of the Huo family's ships were either in port or en route north, this news was indeed a bit...
"The Bao family's fleet...one ship sunk? Two severely damaged? My God!"

"Global Shipping has suffered a huge loss this time! Ships, cargo, lives... Bao Sheng is probably going to be spitting blood!"

"Wait... Don't you guys find it strange? Why do the Huo family's ships all take the northern route?"

Amidst the shock, everyone's gaze unanimously focused on Huanghe Industrial and He Yuzhu.

Just before the flood, Yellow River Industry almost self-destructively suspended all core export businesses, seizing all agricultural products, oil drums, and trucks; He Fei, despite his best efforts to negotiate with the shipping magnate, failed to rent all the ships; the Huo family's fleet, however, unusually assembled in Kowloon Wharf and then urgently sailed north fully loaded with unidentified goods; there were even rumors that He Fei used his connections to secure escort from the marine police.
All these seemingly crazy, illogical, and even ridiculed actions as "self-destructive," were connected after the shipping magnate's fleet encountered a shipwreck and a massive flood broke out inland, pointing to a chilling conclusion: "He Fei knew in advance!"

He knew the typhoon would penetrate unusually deep inland, causing unprecedented torrential rains and floods! That's why he frantically stockpiled relief supplies! That's why he needed all the ships! That's why he might even have... foreseen the enormous risks of sea routes!

The heavy losses suffered by the shipping magnate served as the cruelest and most convincing counter-evidence of He Yuzhu's "foresight and shrewdness"!
If the shipping magnate had agreed to He Yuzhu's charter request, those ships would likely be safely docked in Lianyungang unloading cargo right now, instead of being swallowed by the sea!
Panic began to spread among He Yuzhu's opponents and potential rivals.

"How...how did he know?"

"That's terrifying! He can even predict the movements of the heavens?"

"How can we possibly fight against someone like that?"

"His Yellow River system has been shut down for so long, suffering such huge losses, just to save people in the inland areas? What's in it for him?"

"Regardless of the motives, this kind of energy... this ability to foresee the future... we can't afford to mess with it! We absolutely can't afford to mess with it!"

The atmosphere in Li Ka-shing's office was heavy.

He looked at the newspaper reports about the shipwreck of the shipping magnate's fleet and the floods in Henan, and then at the briefing compiled by his subordinates on the recent unusual activities of the Yellow River system. His expression was complex and unreadable.

For the first time, he felt fear towards a business rival, not only because of these things, but also because of Huang He's performance during the stock market crash, who single-handedly overturned Jardine Matheson's business empire in Hong Kong.

He quickly issued instructions: avoid real estate and port projects and focus all efforts on manufacturing and retail.

Other British-owned companies, and even some Chinese-owned companies that were originally eager to make moves, all withdrew their claws.

In their eyes, He Yuzhu was no longer just a successful businessman, but a terrifying being shrouded in mystery and possessing some kind of "divine" ability.

The idea of ​​moving away from the Yellow River system and even considering leaving Hong Kong began to linger in the minds of many.

Half a month later, a letter was delivered to He Yuzhu. He opened it and found an unsigned telegram translation inside: "The mission is over. The casualties were far lower than expected. The supplies were urgently needed. The air force made a great contribution. 'Hou Yi' has done a great service!"

He Yuzhu looked at the two characters "Hou Yi" and a complicated smile appeared on his lips.

Old Fang is Old Fang after all; he guessed it and used this method to pull him out of this vortex and protect him.

All the "prophetic abilities" are once again attributed to the mysterious and unsubstantiated "Hou Yi".

What can others do with their guesses? They're still just guesses.

He struck a match, lit the telegram, and the ashes slowly drifted into the ashtray.

I always try my best and leave the rest to fate. This time, fate (the capable person) finally gave me a response.

In fact, he had another document on hand, which contained a series of cold numbers and place names—the affected area, the preliminary number of casualties, the number of people who needed to be urgently relocated and resettled… Behind each number was a series of sad stories, especially the number of casualties, which, although only one-fifth of the historical total, was still heartbreaking.

After the telegram arrived, Huo Sheng called: "He Sheng, did you already know the news?"

"I was asked to do this, and it wasn't convenient to tell you before. I hope Mr. Huo can understand."

“I understand. If the news leaks, someone will definitely try to cause trouble,” Huo Sheng said.

"Ah."

"By the way, you said you asked me for help this time, so why did you give me so much for the boat fare? Shouldn't I do my part?" Huo Sheng questioned.

“Mr. Huo, you’ve done your best. This is just a small token of your gratitude. You’re not having an easy time either,” He Yuzhu said.

"And what about you? I know your business is also facing difficulties outside."

“I still have the docks and real estate, so I’m in a better position than you.”

"Then I'll shamelessly accept it. If you encounter something like this again, remember to come to me. I'll be there for you without hesitation."

"Fine, I won't stand on ceremony with you."

"Hahaha, that's right, you must have a lot of things to take care of, I'll hang up now."

"Goodbye."

"toot toot"

Two days later, an unexpected guest arrived at He Yuzhu's office—Zhou Wenhan, the general manager of Bank of China Hong Kong Branch.

"Mr. He, I apologize for disturbing you." Manager Zhou's voice was calm as he took out a document stamped with a red seal from his briefcase and gently pushed it across the large mahogany table. "The materials, ship rentals, and various losses that your company urgently transferred to Lianyungang this time, according to preliminary calculations, total approximately HKD 200 million. Head office has instructed that this amount can be advanced and settled by us."

He Yuzhu only glanced at the numbers on the document and didn't touch it.

"Manager Zhou, Huang He will not accept this money," He Yuzhu said calmly.

Zhou Wenhan's gaze behind his glasses narrowed slightly, a mixture of confusion and professional caution in his eyes: "Mr. He, this is an arrangement from above, and also recognition and compensation for your company's righteous act. Such a huge investment..."

"Manager Zhou, there's no need to worry. If Huang He wants to make any demands now, he should have done so earlier. I'm not after a settlement statement. The supplies have landed, been delivered to where they were meant to be, and served their purpose. That's enough. The money issue ends here."

"This is no small sum of money. Mr. He, won't you reconsider?"

"No need. I had already thought it through before. I am also a Chinese citizen. I was just doing my part."

The office fell silent for a moment. Zhou Wenhan pondered for a moment, then put away the documents on the table and said solemnly, "I understand! He Shenggaoyi, I will report this to my superiors truthfully."

He stood up and bowed slightly. "We will never forget this friendship."

He Yuzhu simply nodded.

After Zhou Wenhan left, He Yuzhu turned to Xiaoman, who had been standing quietly to the side: "Xiaoman, notify the group's lawyers, finance department, and Alang and the others that there will be a meeting in the top-floor conference room at 10:00 AM tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll go right away." Xiaoman couldn't fully understand He Yuzhu's decision not to accept money, but she didn't think it was wrong either.

The following day, the core executives of the Yellow River Group gathered together.

He Daqing, Qiao Lingyi, He Yuxin, Xu Damao, Hong Lang, Chen Sheng, Gu Yuanheng, Xian Xingyao, and others were all present, many of them showing signs of fatigue from working non-stop for several days.

This was He Daqing's first time attending such a meeting, and the old man was a little nervous. This wasn't the kitchen, which he was confident in.

"I've gathered everyone here today to announce two things," He Yuzhu said, cutting straight to the point without any pleasantries.

"First, all expenses incurred by the Yellow River Group in this disaster relief operation, totaling approximately HK$200 million, will be borne by the Group itself, will not be recorded in its accounts, and the Group will not seek reimbursement."

A barely audible gasp filled the conference room, but no one questioned it.

He Yuzhu glanced at everyone and nodded in satisfaction.

"Secondly, effective immediately, the 'Yellow River Charity Foundation' will be established. The initial capital is HK$50 million, which will be personally invested by me. The foundation will operate independently, with Lingyi serving as the chairperson, and He Daqing, Hong Lang, Chen Sheng, Xian Xingyao, Xu Damao, and He Yuxin serving as directors."

After speaking, he looked at Xiaoman and continued, "The foundation's first project is to provide targeted support for the reconstruction of disaster-stricken areas in Henan, especially the reconstruction of schools and health centers. Subsequent directions will focus on education, medical care, and emergency assistance for major disasters."

"Zhu Zi, are we going to continue investing for free?" He Daqing asked the question everyone wanted to ask.

“Dad, we can afford this amount of money. You know the situation in China. The losses in Henan this time are more than just a few hundred million. We are just doing our part.”

"Oh, I see! I understand!" He Daqing had no idea about the group's operations, let alone how much money his son had. Since his son said so, he couldn't say anything. Anyway, he hadn't been in charge of the family since they came to Hong Kong.

"Does anyone else have any objections?" He Yuzhu looked around.

"Since there are no objections, then let Lingyi handle the rest."

"Chairman He, I'll handle it." Xiaoman changed her form of address in this situation, showing her support for her man through her actions.

"Okay, the legal team will follow up on the foundation's bylaws and operating rules immediately after the meeting," He Yuzhu added in conclusion.

"Yes, boss," the head of the legal team quickly replied.

"Meeting dismissed."

There was no applause, no discussion.

The executives silently rose, their eyes meeting to convey their admiration for their boss.

A week later, in an unassuming office building in Central, a simple black brass plaque hung on the door of an office: [Yellow River Charity Foundation]

Inside the meeting room, Xiaoman was having a meeting with the first batch of full-time staff she had recruited. On the table was a list of school reconstruction needs sent by several severely affected counties in Henan.

He Yuzhu stood outside the door for a moment, then turned and left.

With the disaster relief efforts concluded, the massive machinery of the Yellow River Group began to roar back to life.

Interrupted orders were fulfilled, production lines ran day and night, and cargo ships at the docks were once again fully loaded with "Warrior" jeeps and "Rock" trucks, heading to all parts of the world to fill the market gaps temporarily blocked by disaster relief efforts. However, what was even more eye-catching were several heavyweight contracts from the mainland, which quietly landed on He Yuzhu's desk.

The contract covers a large number of military-modified "Warrior" off-road vehicles and civilian trucks from Huanghe Automobile Factory, as well as the supply of special steel from Huanghe Iron and Steel Plant.

The sheer number of them is enough to make any Hong Kong company envious.

This is clearly some form of reciprocation, an officially expressed, tacit goodwill.

The well-informed Hong Kong business community quickly caught wind of the news. Some were envious, some were jealous, but most admired He Yuzhu's "unfathomable" background and "precise investment" vision.

In their view, He Fei's almost fanatical investment in disaster relief earned him access to the huge domestic market and stable orders, making it a worthwhile deal.

Holding the preliminary profit report, Xian Xingyao couldn't hide his excitement: "Boss, with these few orders, we'll not only fill the gap in our disaster relief efforts, but we'll also make a fortune! And this is a long-term, stable demand!"

Gu Yuanheng was also eager to get started: "The military version of 'Warrior' has even higher requirements, which will be a perfect test of our improved production line! Lao Xian, you're going to be working like crazy on the special steel side again."

He Yuzhu calmly flipped through the contract terms, showing little joy on his face.

He handed the contract to Xiaoman beside him: "Lingyi, handle it according to the standard procedure and take it in stride. Also, be strict with quality control. As for profits, make what you should make. If you don't have enough money, just use it to buy raw materials."

Xiaoman took the contract and nodded: "I understand. For us, this is indeed icing on the cake, not a lifeline."

He Yuzhu hummed in agreement.

Gu Yuanheng and Xian Xingyao exchanged a glance, and from their boss's reaction, they once again sensed that transcendence.

The boss may never be after orders or profits; he's just doing his best.

The phone rang in He Yuzhu's office in the afternoon.

He Yuzhu answered the phone, and his mother Chen Lanxiang's voice came from the other end.

"Zhu Zi, your father said he made soup for dinner tonight and that you must come home for dinner. The children... are all waiting for you."

“Okay, I’ll go back with Xiaoman after I finish what I’m doing,” He Yuzhu replied.

But my mother hadn't hung up yet; she continued, "Everyone at home knows."

He Yuzhu asked in confusion, "Mother, what do you know? Why are you only telling me half of what you mean?"

"You did a good job donating things to your family."

"Hey, Mom, you scared me! I thought something was wrong. It was so mysterious."

"What do you think it is? What are you hiding from us?"

"No, no," He Yuzhu hurriedly replied.

"Never mind, I won't ask anymore. Just remember to come back for dinner. You haven't been back for over half a month, and the kids miss you."

"Got it, mother."

When He Yuzhu entered the villa that evening, the familiar aroma of food mixed with the rich scent of stewed soup wafted towards him.

The restaurant was brightly lit, and the huge round table was packed with people.

He Daqing was carrying a steaming bowl of soup out of the kitchen, Chen Lanxiang was setting out chopsticks, and the old lady was sitting in the main seat with a smile.

The younger children didn't play around in the living room as usual; they all sat properly at the table.

"Dad!" He Ningxue was the first to jump up, rushing over like a little cannonball, hugging He Yuzhu's leg, looking up at him with her eyes shining brightly, "Dad, did you send all the food to save people? You saved so many people!"

He Yuzhu bent down, picked up his daughter, and ruffled her soft hair: "Mmm."

He Yaozu and He Yaozong also came over, and the two brothers said in unison, "We want to be like our father in the future."

"Okay, okay, then you all need to grow up quickly. Dinner is ready."

"it is good."

"Zhu Zi, you guys go wash your hands first, then eat!" Chen Lanxiang said.

He Daqing put the soup bowl on the table and called out, "Zhuzi, hurry up, the soup won't taste good if it gets cold!"

"Okay, Dad, Mom!" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

Soon the dinner table became lively.

He Ningxue chattered on and on, pestering He Yuzhu to ask what had been delivered.

He Yaozu and He Yaozong asked about details, such as how the car drove in the water. He Yuzhu corrected the children's thinking, saying that what was running in the water was a lifeboat, not a car.

After dinner, He Yuzhu sat on the sofa in the living room, unusually not going to the study immediately.

He Ningxue sat next to him, flipping through her precious sketchbook. Pointing to the first page, she pointed to a photo cut from the financial section of a picture of ships being loaded at the Kowloon City pier, and chattered about how her teachers at school praised "a responsible entrepreneur like Mr. He."

He Yaozu and He Yaozong did not go out to participate in any activities, but instead sat to the side.

Xiaoman brought over a cup of hot tea and gently placed it beside He Yuzhu.

She sat down next to He Yuzhu without saying a word, but followed his gaze to the three children in the living room, each immersed in their own world.

He Yuzhu picked up his teacup, the rising steam blurring his vision.

For the first time, he felt that the children regarded him as a role model.

That evening, in his study, He Yuzhu unfolded a map of Singapore, his sharp gaze sweeping over the location of the Jurong Industrial Estate.

Xiaoman placed a cup of warm ginseng tea beside him and said softly, "The official approval from the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) has arrived, even faster than expected. The land in Jurong East, 120 acres, with seven connections and one leveling, 50-year usage rights, and a symbolic rent."

He Yuzhu nodded, pointing his finger at the area on the map: "The efficiency is indeed well-deserved. With the national policy of 'using commerce to attract technology and using technology to promote commerce,' we can become the 'anchor project' he wants." He picked up the approval document, the bright red seal and preferential terms clearly visible—tax reductions, duty-free equipment imports, and relaxed quotas for foreign technical personnel, almost clearing away all policy obstacles.

"The core team that Allen recruited, the first batch of seven people, along with their families, have had their visas processed and will arrive next week." Xiaoman flipped through the folder. "The leader, Dr. Peterson, is very satisfied with the environment in Singapore, especially the government's efficiency and its emphasis on intellectual property rights."

“Very good.” He Yuzhu closed the map, stood up, and said, “Notify Chen Sheng and the group’s legal and infrastructure managers to fly to Singapore first thing tomorrow morning. This time, we will personally go to lay the foundation stone.”

"So fast?" Xiaoman was a little surprised. "The infrastructure plan hasn't been finalized yet."

"We'll proceed simultaneously." He Yuzhu's tone left no room for doubt. "Land demarcation, geological exploration, and temporary water and electricity connections—these foundational tasks can begin immediately. The plan can be finalized on-site as we go. Time waits for no one; we must solidify our foundation before the European and American giants react and before Singapore's local power fully rises."

He Yuzhu said earnestly, "Semiconductors are the heart of the next decade. Singapore is the best platform for us to make this heart beat. This time, we're not only going to build a factory, but also to put the roots of our research and development here."

Singapore, Changi Airport.

The humid sea breeze, carrying the unique atmosphere of Southeast Asia, swept over us.

As soon as He Yuzhu and his group walked out of the passage, they saw He Yushui and Wang Siyu, who were already waiting.

The two women, dressed in smart shirts and trousers, exuded confidence and composure. Their joy at seeing their relatives was palpable.

"Brother! Sister-in-law!" He Yushui quickly went to greet her.

"Big brother, Sister Xiaoman!" Wang Siyu greeted them with a smile.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group drove directly to the reserved land plot in Jurong East.

As the car entered the industrial zone, the smooth and wide roads, the well-planned factory buildings, and the lush green belts all demonstrated Singapore's determination to build a "garden industrial city".

When the car stopped in front of an open area, EDB senior officer Sir Lee and his team were already waiting.

He smiled warmly and shook hands firmly: "Mr. He, Ms. Qiao, welcome! This is the 'precious land' we've reserved for Yellow River Semiconductor!"

Before me stretched a vast expanse of land with an excellent view, where a bustling port and azure sea could be seen in the distance.

"Mr. He, please take a look. This area is planned as the main plant for wafer manufacturing and packaging testing. A large area of ​​R&D land has been reserved on the west side. EDB strongly supports your company in setting up its core R&D center here. In terms of infrastructure, dual-circuit high-voltage power, industrial-grade water supply and drainage network, and telephone lines have all been reserved with interfaces to ensure that your company can move in with just your bags!"

Chen Shenghe Group's infrastructure manager immediately contacted EDB's engineers to conduct on-site surveys of the boundaries and geological conditions, and to discuss the construction of temporary prefabricated houses and the access routes for large equipment. Meanwhile, the legal department began verifying the land title documents and the specific implementation clauses of various preferential policies.

He Yuzhu looked around at this vibrant land and said, "Yellow River Semiconductor will not only be a factory, but also a technology incubator and a talent magnet. We will submit a detailed factory layout plan and equipment list as soon as possible, and strive to start construction within the year and achieve trial production the year after next."

"This is exactly what EDB is looking forward to! The relevant department heads at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) are also very keen to establish joint laboratories and talent development programs with your company. Talent is our shared core competitiveness."

Standing to the side, He Yushui's eyes lit up, and she interjected, "Brother, I took microelectronics-related courses at NUS and met some professors and outstanding students. The potential and international perspective of local talents are quite good."

“This is a great proposal.” He Yuzhu gave his two younger sisters an approving look. “The joint laboratory and talent program can be listed as the key projects we need to discuss with EDB and the two universities in the next stage. Huanghe is willing to invest real money to jointly cultivate semiconductor elites in Singapore and even Southeast Asia.”

"EDB will do its utmost to make this happen! With Mr. He's foresight, the take-off of Singapore's semiconductor industry is just around the corner!"

　I can't write what I want to write, so I've changed course!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)