Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 323 Brothers Open Their Hearts, Brothers United

"Tell them to keep this a secret. Wait until we have enough English pagers in stock before accepting other orders," He Yu instructed.

“I will tell the coyote,” Xiaoman replied.

"How is the progress on the Hanxian project?" He Yuzhu asked again.

"The R&D team encountered the problem of Chinese characters taking up too much space."

"Didn't they try scrolling? They must have been to the stock trading floor before."

"Ah, it seems they really are blinded by their own limited perspective. I'll tell them when I get back."

“These researchers have too narrow a vision; you need to think of a solution,” He Yuzhu said.

"Once the Chinese character display is developed, I will organize them to go out and learn," Xiaoman said.

"Okay, you can take a look at this yourself. What scale can our current RF base station inventory support if I want to deploy them in mainland China?"

"There shouldn't be any problem with the special economic zone being established," Xiaoman said.

"Have them speed up production over there. Once the Hanxian is released, the telecommunications company will experience a qualitative leap."

"Then I need to prepare personnel on my side, otherwise there will definitely be problems."

"It's much better in China, where you only need to speak Mandarin. There won't be much change here, but you'll need to get a computer."

"I'm afraid that won't work. The equipment isn't compatible. Then we'll have to contact the lab to fix it. We have few customers now, but the number of customers will increase exponentially in the future. You can't rely on people anymore."

"it is good."

Xiaoman took out her notebook and wrote down everything. He Yuzhu looked at his wife and said softly, "Xiaoman, why don't you hire a few more secretaries? You're like my secretary now, having to personally confirm everything."

"I was just worried, and besides, this way I can be with you every day."

"It can't go on like this forever. What if one day I want to take you out for a walk, but you tell me you're busier than me? How am I supposed to feel then!" He Yuzhu laughed.

"Okay, okay, I'll find a few more people to help me, alright?"

"Don't try to fool me."

"I know, I'm waiting for you to take me out for a walk," Xiaoman said with a smile.

Then He Yuzhu asked, "By the way, any news from Yuxin?"

“A telegram was sent from Shanghai three days ago, saying that he has set off for Beijing and wants to see our house.”

Why didn't anyone tell me?

“Yuxin won’t allow it; he’s afraid you’ll make him come back.”

"No way, this kid isn't planning on coming back either?" He Yuzhu said.

"That makes sense. He feels that reclaiming wasteland is more fulfilling than transforming an existing city."

"Next time he contacts you, tell him to come back. I need to talk to him. He still listens to you, his sister-in-law."

"Okay, I'll talk to him. I feel like you're getting a little anxious."

“If none of them stay by my side to help me, how am I supposed to slack off in the future?” He Yuzhu said.

"Hehehe, so that's what you're thinking. Aren't you afraid I'll tell your son and daughter, and what if they both run away?"

"Impossible. If I can't slack off, you'll have to work with me too. Are you willing to do that?" He Yuzhu teased.

"Alright then, for my own sake, I'll keep your secret for now," Xiaoman said with a smile.

By the time the Chinese New Year of 1983 approached, a breakthrough had been made in Chinese character display technology, and pager factories in Hong Kong began working overtime to produce new pagers.

During the Chinese New Year, He Yuzhu had a long talk with Xu Damao.

"Da Mao, we need to speed things up in the mainland."

"Is it because of negotiations?"

"Yes, the Hong Kong government has already started taking action."

"How significant will the impact be on the group?"

"It's alright, you can handle it. I'm telling you this to let you know that your focus from now on is the mainland."

"Brother, aren't you going back?"

"It's not the right time yet. My identity is too sensitive on both sides. I should just stay in Hong Kong."

"Tell me what you need me to do," Xu Damao said, taking out his notebook.

"First, establish a group company that includes automobile factories, television factories, motorcycle factories, steel mills, motor factories, and import and export companies."

"Secondly, we will establish a communications company. We have made breakthroughs in pager technology, and our future focus will be on the mainland."

"Third, you should communicate with the special economic zone to see if it is possible to build an electronics factory there."

"Fourth, you need to step back from those specific tasks and take charge of the operations and policy coordination of the mainland group."

That's all for now. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.

“Alright, I definitely can’t handle the group company myself. Where will the people come from?” Xu Damao asked.

“You can choose the person yourself from the Hong Kong Yellow River Group, but I must remind you that you are responsible for the person you choose. With such a large group, there are all kinds of people.”

“I understand. My younger sister wants to go back. Can I let her go and pick up those two import companies?”

"Sure, but your sister-in-law will assess her before she goes. If she's not capable enough, she can go, but she can't be in charge."

"I understand. Now, let me ask, what do electronics factories mainly do?"

"Let's start by assembling BP, since the tariffs on components are cheaper than on the complete machine. Also, we can find suppliers for the casing directly from the mainland, which will save a lot of costs. In addition, we'll set up a laboratory to work on program-controlled switches."

"A program-controlled switchboard? That's a huge project. Would they be able to handle it over there?"

"How do you know it won't work if you don't try? Contact those universities and see if you can cooperate with them. We'll provide funding and equipment, and they'll provide personnel. Of course, they'll definitely ask you to research other topics. You can submit those. If the group researches it and it's feasible, we can also invest. Of course, we have priority to purchase their research results and patent licensing. This must be negotiated. If it involves military industry, then forget it. That's not something we can get involved in."

"Universities, bro, you donated so many books, do you have any left? I think we could use them."

"Yes, you can go and investigate first. Let me know if you find anything suitable. It's not just books; some basic technical materials are also acceptable."

"Won't this have any impact on us?"

"No, what is considered backward outside is quite different in the mainland."

"That's good."

"Is there anything else you want to ask?"

"That's all for now, but I have some news from our distributors."

"explain."

“The mainland has already started looking for the original manufacturers of program-controlled switches. Brother, do you still have any machines? Take this opportunity to sell them off.”

"How much can they eat?" He Yuzhu asked calmly.

"At least twenty units."

"Your distributors are quite something; this stuff isn't cheap."

"There's no way around it, these things are in high demand. Having a telephone makes things so much more convenient, especially in cities with large populations and relatively developed industries. Now every industry needs it."

"Can they implement it?"

"Well, I'm afraid we'll still need our technical staff. But can we deliver the goods first and then talk about payment after we get it? That way, the mainland company can also make a profit. Since the group wants to develop in the mainland, we can't keep relying on the headquarters to provide funding."

"Alright, I have fifty more on hand."

"So many, that's wonderful."

"Why are you so excited? How long would it take you to implement all of this?"

"That's still better than them going to buy from others. We're the ones who make the money better. We sell much better than them because we collect money from the domestic market."

"Okay, I'll ship the goods after I've contacted the buyer and received the deposit."

"I'll take care of it as soon as I get back."

"Take care of the other things as well. Oh, and have Xiaohui come over tomorrow so we don't have to go to the company to talk."

"it is good."

After returning home, Xu Damao told Xu Xiaohui the news. Xu Xiaohui was excited. She was currently working for her sister-in-law and had long wanted to break away and try it out on her own.

Then Xu Damao and Lou Xiao'e gave her some pointers, what you might call last-minute cramming.

The next morning, Xu Xiaohui arrived at He Yuzhu's house on time.

In the small living room, Xiaoman had already brewed tea, and on the table were the operational reports and personnel lists of the two companies.

"Xiao Hui, sit down."

"Thank you sister-in-law!"

"Da Mao said you wanted to work in the mainland, so he sent you to the Special Economic Zone this time because he wanted you to take on a major role."

“My brother told me.”

"Okay, take a look at these documents first and tell me what you see."

Xu Xiaohui picked up the documents and began to read them carefully.

These two companies are just starting out, mainly engaged in the wholesale and retail of computers, components and peripherals, and their customers are mostly factories and units in mainland China.

Xu Damao had told her all of this, but his brother hadn't told him the specific turnover and profit figures.

Upon seeing this, she was truly stunned; the profits were frighteningly high. She paused briefly to calm herself before continuing to look.

Xiaoman had been watching her closely but hadn't interrupted. Only after Xu Xiaohui finished reading did Xiaoman speak.

"how?"

"Sister-in-law, the business of these two companies mainly focuses on maintaining customer relationships and exploring demand in the mainland."

"continue."

“I think I can do it, and I can do it no worse than my brother.”

"Oh, what are the specifics?"

Xu Xiaohui put down the report, her eyes clear: "Sister-in-law, I've noticed a few key points. First, the customer repurchase rate is very high, but the growth in new customers is disproportionate to the increase in orders, indicating that market demand is far from being met; second, the profits mainly come from computers and core components, and everything else is basically just add-ons, earning only the shipping cost; third, all sales rely on my brother Zhu and my brother's connections, and our own sales network hasn't been established at all."

"And then, what do you want to do?" Xiaoman nodded and asked in return.

"My idea is to proceed in several steps."

"First, we need to standardize the current distributor channels, sign bidding agreements, and clarify sales areas and pricing systems. We can't let anyone come and get goods like this, leading to price wars and market disruption."

"Second, we need to build our own sales team. Instead of just sitting in the special economic zone waiting for customers to come to us, we need to take the initiative to visit industrial bureaus, large factories and mines, and research institutes in various places to understand their needs and procurement processes."

"Third, in addition to computers, we should expand our product lines. For example, instruments and meters, small machine tools, and even special steels. As long as they are urgently needed in the mainland and we can get them, we can make them."

"Fourth, and most importantly, we need to strengthen our own technical support and after-sales team. We must be able to solve any problems that arise; this is the key to establishing a firm foothold."

"So here's the question: how do you handle having several agents in the same area?" Xiaoman asked.

“This needs to be zoned, otherwise they’ll keep fighting and won’t make much money themselves.”

"What if they disagree?"

"Then for now, we can only wait for them to fight it out themselves."

"It seems you did a lot of research before coming here. Da Mao is giving you personal guidance!" Xiao Man said with a smile.

"Sister-in-law!" Xu Xiaohui said somewhat shyly.

"It's okay. I'm sure you have your own perspective on this. Let's give it a try. Are you confident?"

"Yes!" Xu Xiaohui said seriously.

"Okay, then you should go with your brother when he goes back. Make sure you get everything settled at home these next few days."

"I know, sister-in-law."

"Stay for a meal, it's been a long time since I've been here."

"No need, I'm going to chat with Yushui for a while, then I'll go back home. My family is waiting for me."

"Okay, you go."

Afterwards, Xiaoman went to He Yuzhu's study.

"How is it?" He Yuzhu asked.

"Let's give it a try first. With Da Mao involved, it shouldn't be a big problem."

He Yuzhu immediately understood what was going on and said, "Alright, I'll talk to Yuxin later. Since he wants to develop his career in the mainland, then let him take on the responsibility."

"You're afraid."

"Don't think too much."

“Da Mao has been trained over the years, but he hasn’t read much. Besides, I’m doing this to reduce criticism of him. As the mainland expands, there will definitely be some people who are dissatisfied. With Yu Xin here, these issues are not a problem.”

"Should we tell Damao?"

“If he can’t figure it out himself, he’ll definitely come to me. I think he can figure it out,” He Yuzhu said.

"That would be best. I don't want you brothers to have any unpleasantness."

“We’ve been brothers for decades. If he can’t understand this, I’m going to have a good talk with him.”

"You think everyone's like you, all scheming and treacherous?" Xiaoman spat.

"You're wronging me. Besides, if someone's all cunning and treacherous, are they even human?"

"I think you should say hello to Damao."

“Alright, I’ll mention it to him. He should be the main one, with Yuxin assisting. That kid is still lacking, at least in interpersonal relationships and dealing with people from the mainland.”

"That's more like it. It's tiring to keep making people guess. I'll go call Yuxin over."

"Okay, I haven't had a proper talk with him since I got back."

“It’s none of your business. Haven’t you seen the old lady and my mother asking you about it every day?”

"Yes, that's why I didn't contact him."

"Alright, you wait here, I'll go call him."

A moment later, there was a knock on the study door.

"Enter!"

"Brother." He Yuxin called out as he pushed open the door and put his canvas bag on the table. The bag contained his notes from the investigation along the way.

"Sit down." He Yuzhu raised his chin and pointed to the chair opposite him.

"it is good!"

"Let me tell you what I actually gained from this trip."

He Yuxin took out a stack of papers from her bag, all of which were handwritten notes, along with a few simple hand-drawn maps.

“Brother, from Huadu to Wuhan, then to Beijing and eastern Hebei, I’ve traveled through fifteen provinces, focusing on industrial cities and transportation hubs.”

"You're pretty good at running, keep going!" He Yuzhu raised an eyebrow.

“The current situation in the mainland is that the south is more active, while the north is still waiting for policies. Take Wuhan for example, it has an old industrial base, but the equipment is outdated, and the workers want to do it but lack the skills; in eastern Hebei, Uncle Zhao and his team are very enthusiastic, but they lack funds and talent. The factories we are talking to still need to wait for the supporting facilities to catch up.”

"And then? What are your thoughts?" He Yuzhu asked.

“I’ve been to those pigeon markets too. On the surface, ordinary people still need coupons to buy things, but privately some people have already started to resell scarce goods. If the policy were to be more lenient, business would be even better.”

"that's it?"

"I think we can take even bigger steps!"

He Yuzhu nodded: "Since that's what you think, then I'll give you a job to help your brother Da Mao keep the business going in the mainland."

He Yuxin paused for a moment, then said, "My brother Mao's side."

"Then let me tell you about my plans first." He Yuzhu did not answer his brother's question.

"it is good."

“Da Mao has already set up shop in the Special Economic Zone, with businesses including automobiles, refrigerators, computers, import and export, and later communications and electronics factories, etc. Moreover, his business will become even bigger in the future, and he will definitely be too busy to handle it all himself. His strengths lie in liaising with mainland policies, negotiating, and building relationships. He needs someone to help him keep an eye on the overall situation, especially in the investigation of new projects. You are more suitable for this than him.”

"I understand. You should tell Brother Da Mao, I'm afraid he'll overthink it."

"Your sister-in-law has already reminded me. I'll talk to him later. Have you thought it through?"

"I've thought it through. Da Mao and I really can complement each other."

"It's good that you think that way. Remember, after we get there, Da Mao will be the leader, and you'll be his support. We're brothers."

“I know, that’s my brother too.”

"Also, remember to come to me when you disagree."

"I understand! You're the one in charge!"

"Alright, don't think about anything while you're at home. Just rest well. You'll be busy again soon."

"Then I'll go out." He Yuxin said, putting her things back into her bag and taking them with her.

"You can leave, but leave your things behind. I haven't looked at them yet."

"Oh, then you have to return it to me after you're done reading it." He Yuxin said with some reluctance.

"I'll just make a copy. You're so stingy. Get lost." He Yuzhu said irritably.

"Order!"

Before Xu Damao left, He Yuzhu called Xu Damao to his home.

As soon as he mentioned asking He Yuxin to help him, Xu Damao laughed: "Brother, you should have arranged this a long time ago!"

He Yuzhu asked, "You don't mind?"

"What's there to mind?" Xu Damao waved his hand. "To be honest, I've felt overwhelmed for the past six months. I have to manage things here in the special economic zone, keep an eye on the factories in Jidong, and deal with those distributors. Sometimes I can't even sleep at night, afraid that something might go wrong. With no one from our family around, I always feel uneasy. Now that Yuxin is here, I feel much more at ease."

He picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip: "Yuxin is known for his quick thinking here. Now he's all over the mainland. With him keeping an eye on the overall situation, I can focus on production and sales without having to run around in circles. Besides, we're all brothers. As long as he doesn't mind me managing him, I'm happy that he can help me."

He Yuzhu looked at him, a weight lifted from his heart: "I'm relieved that you think this way. I won't give you specific instructions on how to divide the work; you can discuss it yourselves when you get there and then report back."

"Don't worry, brother." Xu Damao patted his chest. "Yuxin is someone I've practically raised since he was a child. How could we possibly have a falling out? Besides, we're all doing this for our own business. We can talk things over."

"Okay, you can go back now. That's all. It won't take up any of your time with your wife and kids."

“Hey, Xiao’e is even busier than me. When I get home, I’m basically taking care of the kids.”

“That’s perfect,” He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"I'm leaving, brother. Don't think too much about it. We'll take good care of things on the mainland."

"I see."

(End of this chapter)