Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 333 Brother, shall we vote here?
He looked through each room; the living room, study, and bedroom were all complete, and the furniture was antique-style, yet subtly incorporated the conveniences of modern life.

"This must have taken so much effort," He Yuxin muttered to herself.

"That's why I said your older brother is willing to spend money. Craftsmen only produce work when there's money involved," Wang Hongxia said with a smile.

Li Chengru's mouth never stopped the whole way. He had been to courtyard houses many times, but he had never seen anything like this before, nor could he imagine it.

A thought flashed through his mind: this house is probably even more beautiful than when it was built.

The two women were overwhelmed by the sights; this was different from the gardens of Suzhou, and the charm was completely different.

Chung Chor-hung reached out and stroked a carved wooden window, imagining the scene of a young lady from a wealthy family living here, and her face unconsciously turned red.

Wang Hongxia smiled and said, "How is it? Are you satisfied?"

"I'm very satisfied. I'm going to get my camera so I can take pictures and show them to my family."

“Okay, I’ll get to enjoy this today too, take a few pictures of me as well,” Wang Hongxia said.

"Okay, we have enough film. Take as many pictures as you want."

Once I got the camera back, I started taking pictures non-stop, from the front gate all the way to the back building. The only regret was that the house didn't have any side courtyards, so there was no garden.

Wang Hongxia said, "Be content. Land is so scarce in Beijing right now, and you still want a garden."

“I remember my family had a garden, and I ate a lot of good food there when I was a child,” He Yuxin said.

"You little rascal, so all you remember is food!"

"Hehe, who grew flowers back then, except for that stingy old man Yan in our front yard!" He Yuxin said.

“You still remember? He’s still living there, so you can’t get that courtyard back yet, otherwise you wouldn’t have bought this,” Wang Hongxia said.

"What about the garden my brother cultivated?"

“And the garden is full of people,” Wang Hongxia said.

"what?"

"What do you mean 'ah'? Many houses collapsed during the earthquake, but your courtyard became a safe place. After the earthquake shelter was set up, many people didn't want to move anymore and moved to other houses."

"I see, then wouldn't that mean..."

"No rush, no rush, take your time."

"Ah."

"It's very close to No. 95 Courtyard, do you want to go and take a look?"

"I'm not going. Things have changed. I guess my old lady will only have this memory left, after all, it's her house."

"Then let's wait until the old man comes back before we go see him. I'll go with him then, and I'll see who dares to cause trouble."

“I reckon they won’t be able to stay after seeing the photos. I estimate they’ll be back in the second half of the year,” He Yuxin said.

"Really? That's great! You must let us know in advance. I'll have your Uncle Zhao take a few days off to come back as well."

"No problem. By the way, has my fifth son written to me recently?"

"No, but I don't know if I wrote a letter to the Zhou family girl. Why don't we ask?"

"His girlfriend? Didn't she join the army?"

"He joined the army. He's in a military hospital in Beijing."

Chung Chor-hung and Rosamund Kwan didn't quite understand, but Li Chengru could tell something from it. He started working at 17 and had been through a lot in the industry for almost ten years. He knew at a glance that this Aunt Xia was no ordinary person, and the family of Mr. He's fifth brother's girlfriend was even more extraordinary.

That evening, He Yuxin treated Wang Hongxia's family to dinner at Donglaishun Restaurant. Li Chengru made an excuse and left, as he felt too embarrassed to freeload off them again.

Chung Chor-hung and Rosamund Kwan were bombarded with questions by Zhao Shengli, who eventually figured it out: each of the two brothers would get one, but nothing was decided yet.

The two women felt a little awkward during the meal, but they couldn't resist the warmth of the meal and even had a few drinks.

The next morning, He Yuxin was woken up by a phone call in her hotel room before she was even fully awake.

"Hello?" His voice still sounded sleepy.

"Brother He, this is Ah Hong. We're going to the production center with Director Yang today. Do you want to come with me?"

"You guys go ahead, you've already talked to Xiao Li, right?"

"It's settled, he'll come to pick us up."

"That's fine. I have things to do today. If I'm late coming back tonight, you can have Xiao Li take you out to eat. There are plenty of good places to eat in Beijing."

"it is good."

Before hanging up, He Yuxin vaguely heard, "Why didn't you call yourself? Why did you make me call?"

Then the call was hung up.

He Yuxin, who had originally wanted to sleep a little longer, was now wide awake. After getting up, washing up, and having breakfast, he went out and headed straight for the Dongcheng District Government, where he had arranged to meet Wang Hongxia the day before.

Upon arriving at Wang Hongxia's office, a map of Dongcheng District lay open on her desk. "Yuxin, I've been thinking about this land issue for half the night, and I've come up with a place that comes to mind!"

He Yuxin looked at the map and asked, "Where is it, Aunt Xia?"

"There's a piece of land in the east of the city. It used to be an old factory, but it was moved to the suburbs last year. The land is vacant now. It's just a bit big."

"Big? How big is it? Is it as big as the Beijing Hotel?"

“It’s much bigger than that,” Wang Hongxia said.

"Can we go take a look?"

"Sure, but that place is all old factory buildings, what's there to see?"

"Please point out the location to me."

“Here,” Wang Hongxia pointed to a location on the map.

"Near the train station?" He Yuxin asked in surprise.

“Yes, BJ Station East Street, what’s not to like?” Wang Hongxia said.

"No, no, no, I'm too satisfied. Can we develop this place?"

"Why not? The country is supporting it now, and there are several under construction. But if you can come up with a model, that would be even better."

"Yes, my brother owns an international hotel in New York."

“Zhu Zi, New York? When did he go to New York?” Wang Hongxia asked in surprise.

"It was many years ago, when my sister and her friends were studying in New York."

"How large is it?"

"I forgot the exact details, but I remember it was about 500 meters high."

"My goodness, 500 meters, how high is that? How many floors?"

"More than a hundred stories, but it's a bit troublesome. That hotel isn't located under the Yellow River. Aunt Xia, you have to keep this a secret. You know how we are outside..."

“I understand, I understand. Actually, it’s simpler. You can tell your brother to have the people from over there come over. That should make things easier. But it seems a bit difficult to get full funding.”

“This is negotiable. Let’s get the land first. I’ll call my brother to tell him what procedures are needed.”

"I need to ask about this. There are two other spots, do you want to take a look?"

“Look, you can never have too many,” He Yuxin said.

"These two are further north, the area isn't that good."

"Don't worry about that. The old city still needs to be developed. My brother bought some very remote land in Hong Kong, and after development, it has now become the center of that area. When the Hong Kong government saw this, the subsequent infrastructure, such as roads and power grids, followed suit."

"That's fine then. Do you want me to go with you to take a look?"

"Please point it out to me, and I'll go take a look myself first."

"That's fine."

He Yuxin stood in front of the map, picked up her pen, and was about to write down the locations that Wang Hongxia had pointed out.

He was particularly interested in the land on East Street of BJ Station—it was in a good location with great potential. Although it looked desolate now, as his brother often said, "location determines value."

"What do you need to remember? Take a pen and draw a few circles on it. You can take the map."

"This"

"I'm in charge of the East City area, I have plenty of maps here, take it."

"Okay, thank you, Aunt Xia!" He Yuxin said with a smile.

"Wait a minute, I'll write you a letter of introduction, otherwise the gatekeeper definitely won't let you in." Wang Hongxia took out a letter from the drawer.

"Is there someone guarding the gate? Isn't this an old factory building?"

“There are things inside the old factory building, so someone definitely needs to watch over them,” Wang Hongxia said with a smile.

"Oh, I see. If you hadn't reminded me, I would have been arrested as a thief." He Yuxin laughed.

"Oh, right, take this back and take a look too." Wang Hongxia wrote the letter of introduction, stamped it, and handed it to He Yuxin. Then she took out a booklet from the drawer and gave it to He Yuxin as well.

He Yuxin looked at the "Sino-Foreign Joint Venture Law" and said, "Aunt Xia, I have this. Are there any local policies issued in Beijing?"

I don't have that right now. I'll call the city later and ask them for you.

"Alright, thank you for your help, Aunt Xia!"

"What trouble? If you can really develop these plots of land, it will solve my problem. Before, no one came to talk to us, and they all wanted to do it separately. We didn't agree because we thought it was too much trouble. Besides, they couldn't offer a good price. You're doing me a favor. And when those places are built, won't they help me solve some employment problems?"

"That's natural. There's no need to build it; the jobs will be available as soon as construction begins."

"Okay, go take a look first, and then we'll talk."

"Okay, I'm off."

"it is good."

After leaving the district government, He Yuxin first went to BJ Station East Street.

The abandoned factory area was larger than he had imagined, almost the size of the CBD in the special economic zone. The factory buildings were dilapidated, but the location was excellent, just over a kilometer from the train station.

He walked around the factory area, silently calculating the potential of the land.

Then he went to see two other plots of land, one outside Chaoyangmen and the other outside Andingmen.

These two plots of land are in good locations, but they are smaller in size and the surrounding area is not as lively.

After inspecting the land, He Yuxin returned to the hotel and made a long-distance call to his brother.

"Hey!"

"Brother, it's me, Yuxin!"

"I heard you've been gone for almost two months, neglecting your business? Any progress with your girlfriend?"

"Brother, let's talk about girlfriends later. I'm in Beijing right now, and there's something I want to discuss with you." "Beijing? You went through all that trouble? What is it? Just say it!"

"That's right. When I stayed in hotels in Beijing, I found that there were very few high-end hotels. During peak season, there weren't enough rooms available."

"and then?"

“I went to Aunt Xia’s place today. She told me about a few plots of land in Dongcheng. I went to take a look. The locations are all good, especially the one next to the train station, which is over 300,000 square feet.”

"More than 300,000 square feet, which is more than 30,000 square meters, or more than 50 acres?"

"Correct."

What's around here?

"It seems like there's nothing much here, just small businesses, not even a tall building."

"Then what do you think?"

“I think we could build a Grand Hyatt there.”

"Did you inquire about the policy?"

"I haven't received the specific details yet, but it's definitely going to be done. I've also inquired, and now most of the high-end properties in Beijing are joint ventures."

“We can’t handle this,” He Yuzhu said.

“I know. I talked to Aunt Xia. Brother, you should have someone from New York send over to negotiate under the name of the American company. I'll prepare the policies and stuff and act as an intermediary. What do you think?”

"What, you want to stay in Beijing forever?"

"No, it's just that I think this project is pretty good, especially the land near the train station. I feel like I'll definitely regret it if I don't take it."

"Hmm, I vaguely remember that area. I'll explain it to Chen Sheng. What's your phone number now?"

He Yuxin gave him a hotel's phone number, and He Yuzhu was about to hang up when he said, "Brother, wait, there's something else we haven't finished talking about."

"About you and Yuyao's girlfriend?"

"Brother, can't you think of something else?"

“This is also very important,” He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"elder brother"

"Alright, alright, you're such a grown man, how can you be so easily teased? How are you going to find a wife in the future? Tell me, what is it?"

"Shall I send you some photos in a couple of days?"

"What's up? Let me experience the changes in Beijing. I was there just two years ago," He Yuzhu said.

"Brother, can you let me finish speaking?" He Yuxin felt that his brother was unhappy that he had run away from the special economic zone and was doing it on purpose.

"Okay, you go ahead."

"It's about our house."

"Courtyard No. 95?"

"No, didn't I say before that I bought one? It's already renovated, and I went to see it."

"You mean the one with three courtyards?"

"correct."

"Alright, hurry up and develop the photos. Once you're done, mail them back. It would be best if someone came back."

"What's wrong? Did something happen at home?"

"No, but the old lady has been talking about it more and more lately. She wants to go back to Beijing to see it, because she's afraid she won't be able to."

"Then what are you waiting for? Just help them with the paperwork and come back," He Yuxin said.

"It's easier said than done. She's so old. If she goes back this time, I don't think she can come back. Our mother might want to stay in Beijing too. The house isn't settled yet. Can she manage?"

"It's all done! I've checked it."

"You see, that's your opinion. But we still need to see our parents and grandparents. Otherwise, if Grandma goes back, and Grandpa and Grandma feel they have nowhere to stay, and there are all sorts of problems, will you be taking care of them in Beijing?"

"Brother, are you getting old? You're so long-winded."

"I think you're the one who deserves a beating."

"You can start preparing the furniture and stuff for the house now. The whole family might have to go back to visit," He Yuzhu said.

"Really?"

"It's fake, the fourth brother definitely won't be able to go back."

"Oh."

"What's the situation between you and Lao Si's girlfriend? If it doesn't work out, we'll find someone else," He Yuzhu said.

“I think there’s a play.”

"If there's a chance, you'd better hurry up. You're both getting on in years, do you want to end up like your sister?"

"No, brother, I have something to do, I'll hang up now."

"toot toot"

"Smelly boy"

Then He Yuzhu called Chen Sheng and asked him or Alan Sheffield to contact He Yuxin and finalize the matter in Beijing.

Chen Sheng suggested directly, "Boss, it should be easier if Alan Sheffield gets involved."

"how?"

"At least they have foreign faces; I'm afraid I'm not quite up to par."

"Okay, then you talk to him."

"Why don't you tell me yourself?" Chen Sheng said. It would cost a lot of money to invest, especially since it was a domestic investment, so he asked again.

"You're now in charge of North America, so why do you have a problem with Alan Sheffield?"

"No, no, I'll call him in a bit." Chen Sheng felt relieved. Actually, to others, he was a latecomer to North America and was inevitably suspected of reaping the benefits. How could He Yuzhu not know this? This was to tell him to do a good job.

"Okay, then I won't ask any more questions."

"No, no, the boss still needs you to take control of the overall direction."

"When did you learn this trick?"

"The more problems I encountered, the more I realized how amazing you are, boss," Chen Sheng said sincerely.

"If you can't handle it, report it again."

"Okay, boss."

The next day, He Yuxin called Wang Hongxia and told her that He Yuzhu had agreed in principle, but the specifics would need to be discussed by people from North America.

Wang Hongxia was very happy. She also told He Yuxin that she was asking several other hotels how they did it and would let him know when she got news.

He Yuxin then asked where to buy the furniture, and Wang Hongxia told him not to worry about it, and that if he went to buy it himself, people would definitely complain.

After I hung up the phone, there was a knock on the door.

"Who!"

“Mr. He, it’s me, Xiao Li!” Li Chengru said.

"Aren't you going to the film set today?" He Yuxin asked as she opened the door and let him in.

"I'm not going. I'm just a production assistant, and I don't have much to do in post-production. Miss Zhong and Miss Guan don't have anything to do today either. They were too embarrassed to ask, so they asked me to come and ask what we're going to do today."

"Wow, you're even more familiar with this place than I am."

"No, no, it wasn't mentioned on the way back yesterday. They were worried you were busy, so I said I'd ask."

"There is something I need. Do you know where I can find good furniture?"

"Is Mr. He going to furnish that mansion?"

"Ah."

“Ordinary items definitely won’t do; only antique items can match that house.”

"What, you understand?"

"I don't know, but there are places that specialize in selling those kinds of items, and they're guaranteed to be authentic."

"Is there such a place?"

“You haven’t been paying attention, so you don’t know. There are ‘antique shops’ or ‘antique companies’ everywhere. Shall we go take a look today?”

"Sure, I wonder if those two are up yet. I'll make a call."

“Okay, I’ll wait in the car downstairs.” Li Chengru went out on his own.

He Yuxin made a phone call, and the two women, after seeing the house, were also interested in it and wanted to know how it could be decorated. They hit it off immediately.

Fifteen minutes later, the group met in the hotel lobby.

Upon meeting Rosamund Kwan and Cherie Chung, He Yuxin couldn't resist teasing them, saying, "You two have become quite familiar with others, you're too embarrassed to ask me directly?"

“We were just worried that you might feel awkward asking directly. What if it would delay your business?” Chung Chu-hung said.

“Exactly!” Rosamund Kwan agreed.

"Alright, you've all learned the language of Beijing."

“Staying here for too long will definitely have an impact on you; the people here are all so interesting,” Rosamund Kwan said.

"What's so interesting about it?"

"She just has a really interesting way of speaking," Rosamund Kwan said.

“She’s just been praised too much,” said Cherie Chung.

"No."

"Of course you did! The key is that you didn't even realize people were praising you until Comrade Li explained it to you. Otherwise, would you have been able to learn from them?"

"Sister Hong, can't you just..."

"No, Mr. He isn't an outsider, is he, Mr. He?"

This time, He Yuxin was completely stumped; they managed to get him all confused.

At this moment, the group also arrived at the door. Li Chengru saw them honk the car horn, which relieved He Yuxin and Guan Zhilin's embarrassment. He Yuxin walked quickly towards the car, while the two women whispered to each other behind her, occasionally letting out giggles.

Everyone got into the car, Li Chengru shifted gears and stepped on the gas, the jeep accelerated, and headed straight for Liulichang Cultural Street in Xicheng District.

(End of this chapter)