Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 293 The East Wind Rises

He Yuzhu didn't pay much attention to Li Ka-shing after that, because he had more important things to do.

In early April, Lao Fang called briefly: "The country is short of foreign exchange. We need to find a way to discuss investment. Don't come back."

He Yuzhu thought for a moment. It seemed that the first investor had already started negotiations, but the person to negotiate with them had to be suitable. His own identity was rather sensitive, and Lao Fang had already reminded him of that.

After thinking for a long time, he decided to call the person who had tried the crab first and ask them.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Huo Sheng's steady voice came through: "Hello?"

"Mr. Huo, it's me, He Fei," He Yuzhu said in a relaxed tone.

"Haha, Mr. He! It's rare for you to call me first. What brings you here? Is there another big business opportunity?" Mr. Huo laughed heartily, his voice filled with familiarity.

"I wouldn't dare to offer advice. I'd like to ask Mr. Huo for guidance so I can make a little money with him," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Oh?" Huo Sheng's tone carried a hint of inquiry. "What are you saying, Mr. He? Who in Hong Kong doesn't know your Midas touch? And what about the little fortunes you've set your sights on? Tell me about them."

He Yuzhu lowered his voice, his tone slightly mysterious: "I heard that Mr. Huo is currently negotiating a hotel project with the capital of Guangdong Province... the White Swan Hotel?"

There was a noticeable pause on the other end of the phone, followed by Huo Sheng's louder laughter, tinged with a sense of sudden realization: "Haha, He Sheng, you're incredibly well-informed! Something that's barely even started, and you already know the names? Looks like my secrecy wasn't up to par. So, He Sheng, you're interested in this line of work too?"

He Yuzhu followed up, saying, "I am interested, especially in learning from an expert like Mr. Huo."

"You're being too modest by saying you'll learn from me. Let's all look for opportunities together."

“I’m not being modest; I genuinely want to learn from you. You’ve been deeply involved in the mainland for many years and have extensive connections. You understand the policy trends and how things work there much better than we laymen do.”

Huo Sheng understood. He Fei had sensed an opportunity and wanted to enter the mainland market, but he was cautious and wanted to leverage Huo Sheng's connections and experience.

However, he also had doubts. Why did He Fei seek him out instead of using those connections during the two disaster relief efforts? So he asked, "Mr. He, your name and the Yellow River Group are known throughout the mainland. Do you really need me to help you?"

“That’s a different matter. If I went directly to them, wouldn’t that be seen as taking advantage of their kindness?”

"So that's what you're worried about. I don't think so. Actually, you were the one who started exchanging things with us. Think about it yourself."

"You mean the steel mill's semi-finished products and precision parts?"

"Yes, you were the first to try something new, you just didn't realize it."

"What suggestions does Mr. Huo have?"

"It's not a suggestion, we're just learning from each other. The mainland market has huge potential and needs capable and responsible Hong Kong businessmen like you, Mr. Ho, to participate in its development! This isn't my opinion, it's what the investment promotion people there said."

"Why hasn't anyone contacted me?" He Yuzhu asked.

"I don't know either. Maybe I can't figure out what you're thinking. I think it won't be long before someone comes to you on their own initiative."

"So I can just wait at home? Hahaha!"

"Now that Mr. He knows about the White Swan project, I wonder if you are interested? This project is still in the initial discussion stage. If Mr. He is interested, I am willing to give up a portion of the shares."

"No need, no need. I would never take what belongs to someone else. You must have been investigating this project for a long time."

"That's true. I've had this idea ever since I first attended the Canton Fair, but unfortunately I haven't had the chance."

"See, you can make it yourself. I'll look at something else."

"Actually, it's simple to talk about it, just two words: 'win-win'!" Huo Sheng said.

"It's natural!"

"Don't worry, wait a bit, maybe the opportunity will come your way soon!"

"Okay, then I'll listen to you and wait a little longer."

"Don't forget me if you get a good opportunity!" Huo Sheng joked.

“No problem, I can’t earn all the money by myself!” He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Haha, bye! Keep in touch!"

"it is good!"

The opportunity came sooner than He Yuzhu had anticipated.

At the end of April, Xiaoman walked into the office with a gold-embossed invitation card: "Brother Zhu, President Liang of the Bank of China in Hong Kong wants to talk to you at 3 pm tomorrow."

"Bank of China?"

"Yes! What could it be?"

"Good news. Give them a reply that I'll be there on time."

"What good news is it? Tell me about it. You're always so secretive."

"I estimate we'll be able to go home soon."

"The capital city of Beijing? Really?"

"Yes, Beijing."

“That’s wonderful. My wife keeps saying she wants to return to her roots, and my parents also mention it from time to time.”

"Don't tell them when you get back that you still know the exact time, and that you're making them anxious."

“I know, but this is really good news! I also want to go back and visit. It’s been more than ten years since I last visited my mother’s grave.”

"I know, I'll go back. I didn't have a chance to go last time, sigh!"

"It's not your fault, I know!"

"I'll bring the kids with me next time."

"Okay, I'm going to return the call." Xiaoman's eyes were a little red.

The following afternoon, in the top-floor reception room of the Bank of China headquarters building in Hong Kong.

President Liang, in his fifties, possessed a refined yet capable demeanor. After shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with He Yuzhu, he cut straight to the point, as it wasn't their first meeting.

"Mr. He, the Yellow River Group is a powerful company with a proven track record of patriotism. The nation's various industries are in dire need of development and urgently require the introduction of capital and technology, especially..."

President Liang paused for a moment, then looked at He Yuzhu earnestly and said, "We are under great pressure regarding foreign exchange reserves."

He Yuzhu said calmly, "When the country needs us, as Chinese businessmen, we should do our best, both morally and logically. What specific ideas does President Liang have?"

President Liang leaned forward slightly and said, “As far as we know, the Yellow River Group has deep expertise in multiple fields. If Mr. He intends to make large-scale, long-term industrial investments in the mainland, Bank of China can provide a special channel—the foreign exchange funds you deposit in Hong Kong can be withdrawn in mainland currency at a negotiated exchange rate in designated cooperative projects in the mainland. This solves one of the biggest obstacles to your investment in the mainland: foreign exchange settlement and quota approval. Of course, the project itself must comply with national industrial policy guidelines and pass the review of relevant departments.”

This is undoubtedly a key to open the door!
By using Hong Kong's foreign exchange reserves to obtain a quota for RMB investment in mainland China without any hindrance, the most troublesome foreign exchange control barrier at the time was directly bypassed.

At its core, it reflects the country's urgent need for foreign exchange reserves.

He Yuzhu's mind raced as he quickly reviewed the core strengths of the Yellow River Group and the areas in the mainland that urgently needed development.

Automobile manufacturing, semiconductor research and development, port development and operation, steel production, and retail chains are all possibilities, but currently, the most important thing for the mainland should be industrialization technology.

He paused for a moment, then looked steadily at President Liang: "Thank you for your trust and support, President Liang and Bank of China. This plan is very constructive and has dispelled my concerns."

"Oh, so Mr. He already knew about this?"

"It's not that early, just a few days."

"So what does He Sheng mean?"

"Of course it's about investing, but I have a few preliminary ideas about the investment direction and would like to hear your opinion."

"Say it, say it!"

He Yuzhu said, "Currently, Huanghe Group doesn't have many things that it can be proud of: first, automobile manufacturing; second, steel smelting and special steel; and third, port construction. The rest are not worth mentioning."

"Mr. He is too modest. Your beverage factory and convenience store chain are household names in Hong Kong."

"Hehe, I'm afraid they're not interested in these!" He Yuzhu laughed.

"Then let me share my thoughts on the guidelines from over there. Let's see if we can brainstorm and see if anything sparks any ideas."

"you say!"

"In short, it boils down to introducing advanced technologies, filling industrial gaps, and upgrading the level of basic industries."

"I don't think any of these things are relevant to filling the gaps."

"Did Mr. He forget something?"

"President Liang, please speak frankly."

"I've heard that Mr. He is also exploring the semiconductor field, which is in great need in China. In addition, Mr. He's beverage factory used to be a refrigerator factory. If Mr. He doesn't mind, we could also use that technology!"

“My refrigerator factory has over ten years of old technology. As for semiconductors, it is indeed in the ‘exploration’ stage, just as you said.” He Yuzhu emphasized the word “exploration.”

"How about this, Mr. He, give me some information. I happen to be going back at the end of the month. I'll give the information to the relevant department and have them send someone to talk to you. How does that sound?"

"No problem, give me a few days to prepare. Since it's a collaboration, we can't be careless about the details."

“There’s a reason why Mr. He’s business has grown so large,” President Liang said with a smile. “Hahahaha!” The two laughed together, then clasped their hands tightly together.

After He Yuzhu left, President Liang took out a telegram with a "Proposal on Disaster Relief Compensation from the Yellow River Group". It was because he received this telegram, which was more than a year late, that he took the initiative to go to He Yuzhu. He had been too embarrassed to go before, since the other party had provided money and made every effort, and then he would have to talk to them about foreign exchange. Even though he had been trained for so many years, he still couldn't bring himself to ask.

In May, Hong Kong welcomes summer, with the sea breeze carrying the heat and humidity as it blows across this Pearl of the Orient.

Shortly after President Leung facilitated the connection, a mainland inspection team composed of personnel from industry and foreign trade departments quietly arrived in Hong Kong.

They were tasked with the important mission of investigation and negotiation, and their target was the Yellow River Group.

He Yuzhu knew the weight of first impressions, and he wanted to demonstrate his capabilities, so he arranged a reception that exceeded the inspection team's expectations.

When several brand-new Yellow River-Benz luxury sedans slowly pulled up in front of the hotel where the inspection team was staying, Director Zhang, the team leader, and several other cadres were a little stunned.

They had seen Jeeps, Volga cars, and Hongqi sedans, but they had never seen such a top-of-the-line luxury car up close.

The gleaming car body shimmered with a dark silver sheen in the sunlight, and the driver, dressed in a crisp uniform, respectfully opened the car door.

"Mr. He, this, this is too much of a waste." After getting into the car, Director Zhang looked at the luxurious interior and smelled the faint leather scent emanating from the leather seats, and felt a little awkward for a moment.

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "You have come from afar and are honored guests of Yellow River. This car is made by Yellow River and is also to let you experience what Yellow River's cars are like."

"From the Yellow River?"

"Yes, it's from the Yellow River."

"That's amazing, it's even better than the one used at the state guesthouse for welcoming foreign guests."

"Pingzhi 600?"

"Yes, it's that domestically produced industrial 600."

"That car is ten years old, why is it still in use?"

"Hey, I can't buy them. They won't sell them. It took a lot of effort to get those back then."

"Oh, what do you think of my car?"

"Okay, although I've never ridden in that car, yours is definitely better than the foreign ones."

"Hahaha, I'll let you sit down another day and we can compare," He Yuzhu said.

"Really?"

"Of course, there are still quite a few in Hong Kong."

Is it troublesome?

"Just rent one, it's no trouble."

As they chatted, the convoy smoothly drove toward the Maxim's Hotel on the Victoria Harbour waterfront.

Stepping into the magnificent and exotic lobby, crystal chandeliers reflected dazzling light, and well-dressed waiters moved about. Everything was novel and shocking to the cadres from the mainland who were used to simplicity.

"Shall we eat here? Isn't that too much of a waste?" Director Zhang said.

"This hotel is also on the Yellow River."

"Mr. He's business is really big!"

"It's alright, it's alright!" He Yuzhu said modestly.

He Yuzhu had booked the best sea-view private room, located on the top floor of the hotel.

As the elevator ascended smoothly, and the streetscape and the magnificent Victoria Harbour were gradually shrinking in view through the glass curtain wall, several members of the inspection team subconsciously gripped the handrails, yet forced themselves to remain calm.

The exquisite Cantonese dishes on the table in the private room, the waiters in tuxedos, and the melodious live piano music—every detail silently speaks of the enormous material differences.

He Yuzhu had gotten used to the praise along the way and always responded with a smile.

During the meeting, He Yuzhu only talked about local customs and introduced the development of Hong Kong, without mentioning the upcoming cooperation. He was humble and polite, warm and considerate, yet maintained a just-right distance.

He frequently raised his glass to thank the delegation for their hard work in coming, his words filled with concern for the development of the mainland and his deep affection as a Chinese businessman.

"Mr. He, you're too kind. We've come here with sincerity and a willingness to learn," Director Zhang responded on behalf of everyone, trying his best to remain composed despite being slightly drunk.

"Director Zhang, you flatter me. Cooperation is a two-way street. Your side has needs, and the Yellow River has resources. Finding a point of convergence is the key."

"Shall we begin our site visit and discussions on specific matters tomorrow?"

"Let's not rush into discussing specifics. Everyone, please get some rest and soak up the atmosphere of Hong Kong," He Yuzhu said with a smile, lightly changing the subject.

"Isn't this bad?"

"Everyone needs to have a thorough understanding, right? Understanding Hong Kong's culture and business atmosphere is also necessary for cooperation, don't you all agree?"

Everyone looked at Director Zhang, waiting for his decision, but their eyes were full of anticipation.

"Well, okay, wouldn't that be too much trouble for Mr. He?"

"I apologize in advance, as I may not have time for the next few days. I will have Vice President Xu Damao of the Group accompany you. He is familiar with Hong Kong and also understands the situation on the mainland. He will take you around to see the sights and help you relax."

“I see. It’s good to know about the mainland, it’s good to know about the mainland,” Director Zhang agreed.

He Yuzhu drank everyone under the table at the meal. After having the inspection team sent back, He Yuzhu met with Xu Damao to assign him tasks.

"Brother, don't worry, I'm good at this!"

"Don't brag, you haven't done this kind of work in over ten years, have you?"

"Hehe, no problem. I'll find out after we get out that all that was nothing compared to what we've been through. I'll show them Hong Kong and the power of the Yellow River."

"Alright, I know you're capable. You've got things done. I guess I'll need your help to keep in touch in the future."

"Going back to the mainland?"

"Correct."

"It's been more than ten years, I really do miss it."

"Stop being sentimental. We're asking you to accompany the inspection team, so try not to drink too much. With your alcohol tolerance, you might say something if you drink too much."

"Don't worry, besides, Old Bai's men are with you!"

For the next three days, Xu Damao became the "tour guide" for the inspection team.

He made full use of his talents in social maneuvering and reading people's expressions.

Instead of taking the inspection team to those decadent and extravagant places, he made careful arrangements:

First, he led the delegation to visit the well-managed and clean public housing estates under the Yellow River Group to see the living environment of ordinary Hong Kong citizens; then they entered the bustling Yellow River Chain Supermarket (an upgraded version of a convenience store) with its wide variety of goods to experience the market's vibrancy.

Next, they were arranged to take the comfortable and fast Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour; they also visited the busy and orderly deep-water pier in Tseung Kwan O and witnessed the operation of modern logistics.
Then, I took them on a long-distance tour of the grand outline of the Tseung Kwan O Industrial Park and introduced Huanghe's layout in the fields of automobiles and steel (the core technology area was naturally inaccessible).

Finally, a classic Cantonese opera performance was arranged, allowing the delegation to appreciate the traditional culture of Lingnan; they also went to Victoria Peak to overlook the entire city and feel the pulse of this international metropolis.

Xu Damao's words were full of affection for his motherland, and he would occasionally mention "how great our mainland is" which directly shortened the distance between them and allowed Xu Damao to understand the general situation in the country. What followed was even more incisive.

Of course, quite a few people inquired about the cooperation during this time, but Xu Damao skillfully changed the subject, letting those people experience the strength of the Yellow River.

"Mr. Xu, your Yellow River is truly a large and powerful enterprise." During an afternoon tea at a tea restaurant, Mr. Li, a technician in charge of technology in the inspection team, remarked casually.

Xu Damao skillfully picked up a shrimp dumpling and said with a smile, "Engineer Li, you flatter me. No matter how big your business is, your roots are still there (Xu Damao pointed to the north)."

"That's that."

"Mr. He didn't say when we can talk business?" Director Zhang was getting a little anxious after traveling around for several days; he had come with a mission.

"Mr. He said he would talk to you tomorrow. He has been preparing for this for the past few days. After all, many professional things need to be explained by professionals."

"I see. Mr. He really pays attention to detail."

"He has always been like this, striving to do his best."

"I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's meeting," Director Zhang said.

Xu Damao just smiled and continued eating.

On the morning of the fourth day, in the strategic conference room on the top floor of the Yellow River Building.

He Yuzhu, Xiaoman, Xu Damao, Gu Yuanheng, Xian Xingyao, Alang, He Yuxin, Wilson, and relevant technical and financial personnel sat on one side.

The inspection team led by Director Zhang sat on the other side, each with a beautifully bound draft of the project intent and a thick summary of technical data in front of them.

The scene was filled with the rustling sound of papers being turned over. The more the inspection team looked, the more astonished they became. The products were truly excellent, and now they were worried that their families wouldn't be able to afford them.

After a long silence, He Yuzhu spoke first: "Director Zhang, comrades, I apologize for neglecting you these past few days. I mainly wanted to let you relax a bit and get a direct feel for Hong Kong and the Yellow River. Now that you've all seen them and have a better understanding, we can have a serious chat now."

“Yes, if we didn’t take a look around, we would really misjudge a lot of things based on this information alone,” Director Zhang said.

"You've all had a preliminary look at the materials; everything Huanghe can provide is here. Now, let's discuss which specific area you need most and how we can cooperate to achieve a true 'win-win' situation."

(End of this chapter)