Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 351 Auction
As a result, Ah Lang directly informed everyone who could come back that they had returned. He Yuzhu gave a brief speech and painted a big picture, but it couldn't really be called a picture. He already knew what Hong Kong real estate would be like decades from now, and there would be many twists and turns in the process. He was just revealing a little bit of the future vision in advance.

"Boss, it has to be you! I've held plenty of conferences before, but none of them were as effective!"

"Alright, stop flattering me!"

"No, no, really not. Didn't you see the enthusiasm of those people down there? By the way, boss, can what you said be done?"

"Yes, definitely."

"Then I'll have to follow in your footsteps."

"Speaking of which, has Ah Sheng contacted you yet?"

"We contacted them and confirmed something else."

"what?"

"We also need to build Grand Hyatt hotels in Hong Kong and Singapore. We can't have them everywhere but not at headquarters, can we?"

"I was originally thinking of waiting a bit, but since you've all agreed on it, let's build it. Do you have enough funds?"

"That's enough. Our buildings are selling very well. By the way, Yuxin mentioned to me that we're going to build our own cinemas in the commercial areas above several subway stations. Is that true?"

"Yes, do it yourself."

"Then I'll get started on the preparations, and try to open the cinema along with the other stores when it's completed and ready for business."

"Okay, by the way, find some more professionals, I'll need them."

"Specifically, this includes directors, screenwriters, managers, and so on."

"No, boss, are we hiring these people to start a film and television company?"

"If you're planning to do this, go ahead and look for it. I know you have a lot of connections."

"Row."

"It's lunchtime, let's have lunch together."

"Great! It's been a long time since we had a meal together. Where shall we go?"

"Of course it's our own restaurant. Why would we go and patronize someone else's business?"

"Then I'll call Lao Gu and Lao Xian over too."

"Alright, call them. Tell them to arrange their work. You're allowed to drink today."

"Then I'll have to make some arrangements too."

"Go ahead, I'll wait for you."

Several core executives, including Gu Yuanheng and Xian Xingyao, arrived one after another at the private rooms of the restaurant operated by the group. They were all very happy to see He Yuzhu and greeted him warmly.

During the meal, the dishes were exquisite, and after several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

He Yuzhu put down his chopsticks and looked at his capable assistants.

"I stayed in Beijing for quite a while this time and saw a lot of changes."

Everyone waited for He Yuzhu to continue, and He Yuzhu said, "With more flexible policies, there are more people doing business on the streets, and therefore more opportunities."

Ah Lang nodded in agreement: "What the boss said is true. We often read domestic newspapers, and the policies are indeed becoming more and more open."

He Yuzhu nodded, then shook his head: "What I want to say is that it is an undeveloped area, large enough to offer unlimited opportunities and a boundless market."

Gu Yuanheng pondered for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Boss, do you mean that the group's focus will gradually shift towards the mainland?"

“It is necessary to tilt the tide, but Hong Kong must be defended,” Ho Yu-chu said.

"Understood!" Gu Yuanheng said.

"No, you only understand part of it!"

"Boss, stop keeping us in suspense. You know we can't see as far ahead as you do, so just tell us what to do," Ah Lang said.

"Can't you use your brain a little more?"

"Boss, we're already busy enough. You don't realize it, but we're already far ahead of other companies in Hong Kong, whether it's our business philosophy or anything else."

"Ah Lang is right," everyone said in unison.

"Really? I don't feel anything!"

“Well, that’s because you’re looking too far ahead. Only those of us who handle the specifics can truly understand,” Ah Lang said.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?"

“Of course it’s a good thing. If we’re going to target our competitors, we can basically crush them,” A-Lang said.

“Okay, why didn’t anyone tell me?” He Yuzhu said.

"What are you talking about? We're only thinking about how to keep up with the group's pace," Ah Lang said.

"You all think so?"

“Yes!” the others said.

"So, should I say what I need to say next, or not?" He Yuzhu smiled.

"Of course you have to say it, boss! You can't just say half of what you mean!" the crowd exclaimed anxiously.

"There is no place for heavy industry in Hong Kong's future!" He Yuzhu's words were truly shocking.

Gu Yuanheng, Xian Xingyao, and Yang Tao all gaped in disbelief. They were all working in heavy industry, and now their boss was saying that there was no future in heavy industry. How could they accept that?

Before they could ask any questions, He Yuzhu continued, "The mainland is currently facing a severe shortage of heavy industry."

"Then what should we do?" Gu Yuanheng asked, frowning.

"In the future, steel mills, car factories, and aircraft factories will all be moved to the inland areas," He Yuzhu dropped another bombshell.

"Then what about us?" Gu Yuanheng asked.

"If we want to form a joint venture, there are plenty of factories in the mainland with existing licenses and workers. We can bring our money, equipment, and orders."

"Isn't the group already doing it?" Xian Xingyao asked, puzzled.

“Those were just tests, and they were all rather unusual, so they were slow to take effect,” He Yuzhu said.

“That’s true, but I still don’t understand. Does it make a difference if you get it through a joint venture with another factory?” Yang Tao said. He was the only one who had worked in mainland China, so he was the most qualified to speak on the matter.

“Since you’ve been there, haven’t you gone out and seen the world? The mainland is also undergoing a reshuffle. The words ‘closure, merger, and transformation’ are in the newspapers every day. Local governments are eager to find someone to take over factories with outdated equipment and high debt.”

“I know that, the problem is how to memorize it, the initial costs must be very high,” Yang Tao said.

“There are two ways to take over: First, we pay for their old equipment and become equity at a discount; second, we build a new production line, the old factory provides the land, we provide the equipment, and the profits are split proportionally. The former is faster, and the latter is cleaner. I prefer the latter.”

Gu Yuanheng nodded: "What about the equipment? We don't have any heavy industrial equipment."

"Let me give you an example. There are several mining machine manufacturers and port crane manufacturers in North America that are short of money. We can recycle their old products as scrap, refurbish them, and then do so without paying any North American tariffs."

Xian Xingyao did the math: "Renovation is one option, but why would anyone buy a used one?"

"It's cheap, and besides, starting from scratch is the most crucial thing. We don't have the money in China," He Yuzhu sighed.

A few seconds of silence fell over the table, while the abacus beads clicked in everyone's minds.

"And then what?" Gu Yuanheng asked.

He Yuzhu looked around at everyone and said, "The old equipment is just a stepping stone. Once the production line is running, the workers are skilled, the market opens up, and profits are made, then we can gradually replace it with new equipment. Of course, that may be five or ten years from now."

Yang Tao said, "Boss, if we were to get this done, we'd all probably have to stay in the mainland for a long time."

“That’s right, so I’m telling you this in advance in case you don’t want to go later. If you don’t want to go, it’s best to tell me as soon as possible.” He Yuzhu nodded.

“Wherever the boss points, I’ll go,” Ah Lang said first.

“Me too.” Then came Gu Yuanheng. They had all been with He Yuzhu for twenty years.

“I’m fine with it too. I’ve lived in mainland China before, and I think it’s alright,” Yang Tao said.

“That’s fine with me too, but it would be difficult to form a joint venture for a steel plant in the mainland,” Xian Xingyao said.

"So your materials lab is the key, both now and in the future."

"Understood," Xian Xingyao said.

"Alright, I'm just giving you a heads-up. Don't let me bring it up later and you guys refuse. It'll look bad for everyone, since you've all been with me for so many years."

"No, that won't happen," everyone quickly replied.

Then He Yuzhu talked about the order from the mainland. All the people were there, so everything was explained, including some things from the steel mill that could be sold.

Gu Yuanheng is doing alright; he always has helicopters in stock because they're not easy to sell.

The situation is a bit more complicated with cars. There isn't enough inventory. Sales have improved a lot in recent years, with orders coming from Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea. Of course, it's still much smaller than other places.

After listening, He Yuzhu said, "Therefore, building a larger factory is the way out. There is not enough space for expansion in Hong Kong."

“Yes, I think that factory in Xiangdu will definitely surpass the original factory in Xiangjiang in the future,” Yang Tao said.

"Let's have Xiamen work overtime; this order is very important."

“I understand!” Yang Tao said.

After finishing their business, everyone drank for a while longer. The staff from He Yuzhu Restaurant then escorted each of them home, and He Yuzhu himself went home as well.

The reason he talked so much today is that he hopes all his old brothers can continue on this journey together.

"Brother, you went out drinking? That's rare!" He Yushui said from home.

"Can't I have a social engagement?"

"Tch, you're the kind of person who avoids social engagements whenever possible, what's there to socialize about?"

"I had some drinks with Ah Lang and the others."

"Oh! I'll have someone make you some soup."

"No need, you know my alcohol tolerance."

"By the way, brother, our parents said that you and your wife can take their place as the head of the family."

"Who told their family?"

"Hehe, I didn't say it by accident. It's just that we can't go back for the time being, and it's not convenient for us to come back either," He Yushui said.

"Don't tell me you also told Yuyao?"

"Yup!"

"He Yushui, when did you become so quick to speak!" He Yuzhu was speechless.

“I’ve been idle at home for more than half a year!” He Yushui said.

"And then you mastered this skill?"

“Yeah, otherwise it would be so boring!” He Yushui nodded.

"So what did the Zhong family say?"

"What do they have to say? It's a lot of face for them if you and your sister-in-law step in." "Okay, I'll ask my parents later."

“Asking won’t change anything. I called, and my sister-in-law was there too. She also tried to persuade him, but my mother said that the fourth son is not a child anymore and shouldn’t be so particular about rules.”

"Uh," He Yuzhu didn't know how to answer.

"Alright, go upstairs and rest. You should take a shower; the smell is too strong," He Yushui said.

“Okay, okay, I’ll go upstairs!” He Yuzhu turned and went upstairs.

After washing up, he actually made a phone call to the mainland, and the answer he got was the same as what He Yushui had said. He also asked him to talk about the third brother, He Yuxin.

He Yuzhu could only agree, saying that He Yuxin should come back and call him.

The phone call came late at night, just as He Yuzhu was about to go to sleep.

"Hey!"

"Brother, it's me. You haven't rested yet, have you?"

"Nope!"

"Ah Hu and his team's trip to Qin Province was worthwhile! They bought a lot of things, and the two master craftsmen's eyes were shining."

"Was the journey smooth?" He Yuzhu asked.

"It's much better than last time. As you said, they did it discreetly, changed cars, and went separately."

Where do they plan to go next?

"Go south from Henan Province, there's also a route to the northeast."

"Yes, safety must be guaranteed."

"I know. Oh, right, brother, I have some news that I need you to confirm."

"You said."

“There’s an important item that’s been taken out of the country. It may appear in London soon and go through the auction process.”

He Yuzhu said in a deep voice, "A powerful weapon, very powerful? What is it? Where did you get this information?"

"It was said on the street that a Yuan Dynasty bronze Buddha of joy came out from the west."

"I see."

"If there are any others, feel free to take a picture of them too."

"What, you're interested in these things now?"

I like the stories behind those old objects.

"Don't worry, as long as it's in Hong Kong, no one can take it away," He Yuzhu said.

"It has to be you, brother. No one else would dare to say that."

"Alright, stop flattering me!" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"Then I'll hang up."

"Wait, there's something else I need to ask you."

"What's the matter? Tell me."

"What exactly is going on between you and that Miss Guan?"

"this."

"Speak your mind directly, don't hesitate."

“I think I’ll most likely stay in mainland China in the future, so I might as well find someone there rather than keep someone else tied down.”

"Have you made up your mind?"

"Think about it."

"Do you have someone you like?"

"this."

"Forget it, you can tell your mother yourself," He Yuzhu said.

"I heard the fourth brother is getting engaged?"

"Otherwise, why do you think I would ask you?"

"All right!"

"If you've got a good look at her, hurry up and do it. What girl are you not good enough for? I don't know where you learned to be so indecisive."

"I"

"Alright, I'm not going to argue with you anymore. I'm hanging up. I'll handle the auction. Please take good care of the elderly at home."

"understood."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu glanced at his watch and saw it was almost midnight. After thinking for a moment, he decided not to make any more calls.

The next morning, He Yuzhu called Bai Yifeng directly.

"Old White!"

"Boss, what can I do for you?" Bai Yifeng knew that He Yuzhu wouldn't call him unless there was nothing wrong.

"Help me investigate something. Find out how they got here and who they went through," He Yuzhu said, explaining the matter of the Joyful Buddha.

Bai Yifeng replied from the other end, "Okay, I'll go check it out right away. There have indeed been several autumn auctions recently, and they're all quite large. If something like this came in, it wouldn't have been completely unnoticed. What if we find out who brought it out, or who handled it?"

"Let's see what else they have on hand. Keep an eye on them and we'll talk to them after the auction."

"Understood, I'll let you know as soon as I have any news."

Then He Yuzhu instructed people to ask several auction houses in Hong Kong for the auction lists. This was the first time the Yellow River Group had asked for these items, which made the auction houses extremely happy.

Sotheby's does indeed have that bronze Buddha of Joy, which was the final lot, along with another Shang Dynasty bronze vessel, the He Zun.

He Yuzhu asked Xiaoman to prepare the funds and then waited for news from Bai Yifeng.

A few days later, Bai Yifeng called back, "Boss, I found it."

"What's the origin?"

Bai Yifeng replied, "The goods came from the north by waterway. The middleman was an old broker called 'Master Qi Wu,' who had been in the business for over thirty years. He had a group of people under him who specialized in collecting 'raw' goods in the mainland."

"What kind of bastard dares to call himself 'Master'!" He Yuzhu sneered.

"The boss doesn't need to care about titles; these scoundrels all think they know what's what."

He Yuzhu tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "North, which port?"

"We haven't found out about this yet, so we haven't taken any action," Bai Yifeng said.

"Keep an eye on him. Don't alert him before the auction."

"Understood. Also, it might not be so easy to acquire Sobiford this time. It seems that Qi Laowu has contact with several overseas buyers, so he will probably drive up the price."

"Let them carry the load. Keep an eye on Qi Laowu. After the auction, I want to know when to cut off his connections completely," He Yuzhu said calmly.

"Yes."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu opened the exquisite auction catalog beside him. His gaze lingered for a moment on the bronze Buddha of Joy with its simple and ancient shape and deep patina, then he turned to another page and looked at the He Zun with its clear inscription.

A week later, at the Hong Kong Sotheby's Autumn Auction.

He Yuzhu did not attend in person; Xiaoman represented him and sat in the front row, accompanied by the group's legal counsel and a senior art consultant.

The atmosphere inside was lively, with signs being raised one after another.

When the Yuan Dynasty bronze Buddha of Joy was unveiled, a small commotion broke out at the scene.

The starting price was not low, but the bidding was exceptionally fierce.

Several telephone bidders and a Southeast Asian collector in the room made frequent bids.

As instructed by He Yuzhu, Xiaoman did not rush to make a move. Only when the price climbed to a relatively high level and there were only two competitors left did she begin to raise her bid at the suggestion of her advisor.

After several rounds of negotiations, the price has far exceeded expectations.

Another competitor, a European buyer who placed an order by phone, seemed determined to win.

Xiaoman listened intently to the advisor's whisper, then decisively raised her paddle again, bidding a new high price of HK$500 million.

The room fell silent for a moment.

The auctioneer repeated the offer three times before finally bringing down the gavel.

The subsequent auction of He Zun followed the same process.

Xiaoman ultimately acquired it for an overwhelming price of ten million Hong Kong dollars.

Both national treasures were purchased.

Xiaoman also acquired some porcelain and calligraphy/painting items.

Shortly after the auction ended, Bai Yifeng called again.

"Boss, we've got the guy under control. We found him at one of his mistress's places. These guys all have serious stuff in their hands."

"Are there any casualties?"

"No, they're not good enough."

"What did you find?"

"There's another batch of goods that I haven't had time to sell, mainly pottery and jade. I'm not going to touch those. I don't have much cash, just a few hundred thousand Hong Kong dollars."

He Yuzhu held the microphone, his gaze fixed on the deep night outside the window: "What did you find out?"

"He was stubborn for a while, then used some tactics. He said he was just a middleman, and the real big boss was someone else, surnamed Feng, known in the industry as 'Boss Feng,' who usually traveled between the mainland and Hong Kong. Most of Qi Wu's goods were shipped out from Shandong Province. But he mentioned another, more stable route, going through the southwest, out to Yunnan and Myanmar, where there were fixed channels to send goods out to sea, directly to Southeast Asian buyers. He said Boss Feng seemed to have recently connected with that route, finding the north too risky."

"Yunnan-Burma?" He Yuzhu pondered for a moment. "Has he gotten to the bottom of that Boss Feng?"

"Qi Wu has never met the person. That person is very cautious. He always uses a different public phone to contact him and arranges to meet in crowded places. Qi Wu said that he feels that Boss Feng has someone above him, but he is at a level that cannot reach him."

"Investigate thoroughly, leave no loose ends. Keep a close eye on that batch of goods, and wait for us to send people to take over," He Yuzhu instructed. "Get rid of Qi Wu and his henchmen. Make it look like an accident."

"What's the money this kid has left?"

"You got it because of your own ability; the people who handled it get a share."

"Understood. Should we continue following up on Boss Feng's lead?"

"I don't think the chances are high, but you can give it a try."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)