Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 352 Such Children
Just as Bai Yifeng was about to hang up, He Yuzhu added, "Wait, organize what Qi Wu found out and send it over."

"it is good."

"Alright, you can go ahead and get busy."

"toot toot"

Bai Yifeng arrived the next day. Qi Wu's statement was quite substantial. He Yuzhu quickly skimmed through it and began to speak.

"Old Bai, has everything been handled smoothly?"

"Ah."

"Send some people out and find all the people in Hong Kong who do this kind of thing."

"Do you want to take action?"

"No need to find out the details. By the way, do we still have people in Southeast Asia?"

"Yes, but they're mostly in the outskirts, mostly frequented by locals."

"Give them a task: investigate that 'Boss Feng,' and also find out what else those people deal in besides antiques."

"it is good."

"Any other developments in Hong Kong lately?"

“The gang is causing quite a stir; Yuyao has asked me for help several times already.”

"Give us some information, that's fine, but our people shouldn't get involved."

“I know that Yuyao wants me to be an undercover agent and informant for some of his people, but I refused.”

"What did he say?" He Yuzhu frowned.

"I didn't say much, I only mentioned it once, probably because I was afraid you would find out."

"If he asks again next time, tell him to come find me."

"Ok."

"Have them check something in North America and Europe."

"Investigate what?" Bai Yifeng perked up.

"Why are you so excited? Just check where there are poorly managed factories and mines, and the condition of their equipment."

"Oh, it's about business!" Bai Yifeng was indeed disappointed.

"What do you think? Do you want to go toe-to-toe with those guys from CA and the Sixth Division?"

"hey-hey!"

"Alright, let's not provoke them for now since they haven't provoked us. Of course, you can investigate in Hong Kong, but don't rush to take action once you find out."

"clear."

"Make more connections with the Koreans and the locals, especially in the business sector, and report back promptly if there's anything new."

"Where else?"

"Island Island is also an option; it has developed rapidly in recent years."

"it is good."

"Alright, go ahead and get busy. Remember to stay out of police affairs. They don't even know how many informants they've planted themselves. Don't try to help and end up getting yourself into trouble. We're here to do legitimate work."

"Understood, understood!"

After Bai Yifeng left, He Yuzhu picked through the confession, keeping only the part about China, and then picked up the phone on the table and dialed a number.

The phone rang for a long time before it was answered.

"Hey, who's there?"

"Uncle Fang, it's me!"

"Zhu Zi, is something urgent?"

"What's wrong? Are you busy over there? Why don't you go ahead and do your work first, and we'll talk later."

"We just had a meeting."

"Okay, continue faxing in a bit. I found something here, you guys take a look."

"what?"

"You'll see when you see it."

"Row!"

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu faxed the statement over, then found a folder, put all the statements in it, and turned to put it in the safe.

After dealing with this, He Yuzhu called Xu Damao again.

As soon as the call connected, Xu Damao's energetic voice came through: "Brother! What are the instructions?"

"Hey, you're doing pretty well in the special economic zone, aren't you? You're full of energy."

"Hehe, things are going more and more smoothly here now, and it's not so tiring anymore."

"Since you're so free, I'll give you some more work to do," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"No way, bro, I knew it wouldn't be good news if they came looking for me."

"Alright, it's not a big deal. You can just make a few phone calls or send a telegram and you'll be fine."

"Oh, what is it?" Xu Damao asked curiously.

"Don't you know a bunch of people from all over the country, and you even have some connections with them?"

"Yeah, what's wrong? Need those people to do something?"

"Yes, the group plans to start a new business: used mining machinery, port hoisting machinery, and construction machinery."

"Huh? Second-hand? We have so many of our own things, why would we buy second-hand items, especially things we don't already own?"

Do you think it's affordable to buy new goods domestically?

"This... seems too expensive for me," Xu Damao replied.

“That’s it then. Go ask them. One order of this stuff is worth a year’s worth of their work,” He Yuzhu said.

"Brother, what if they want the equipment but don't have the money? You know those guys are really tough to deal with."

"IOUs are not acceptable; this is a red line. Don't create a bunch of triangular debts for me."

"Oh, oh, then what should we do?"

"Equity, priority purchasing rights, just go and negotiate, see what you can get."

"Okay, bro, this isn't something you can just do by making a phone call."

"You spread the word first. It's not that fast. Do you think this is like buying a bicycle or a TV, where you can pay and pick up the goods on the spot?"

"That's true, their approval process will probably take a long time."

"There's something else. Didn't you tell Yuxin before that you were going to make some kind of recorder and video recorder? What was the specific idea behind it?"

Xu Damao paused on the other end of the phone, seemingly organizing his thoughts: "Brother, this is what I'm thinking. Our special economic zone's electronics factory still has a weak technological foundation. Directly producing core components would require a large investment, not to mention the sales channels would be a problem. Right now, all the major factories are using planned procurement, and we can't squeeze in. It would be better to start with assembly, like tape recorders and video recorders, which are aimed at ordinary people. What's the market situation like right now? You can't buy them no matter how much money you have! If we start with that, we can get our funds back quickly, and we can also set up the factory's framework. We can train the workers first."

He Yuzhu said, "The profit margin for assembly is thin, and it's easy for others to hold you hostage."

"Brother, I know what you're thinking. You want to fill the gap in domestic semiconductor components, but now is really not the time."

"Well, keep going!"

"The profit margin for assembly is quite high, and the volume is also very large. What we do now is trade, which is about small profits but quick turnover, but there are many problems."

"what is the problem?"

"Let me give you an example. The manufacturers of tape recorders and color TVs over there raise prices every few days because they're selling well. This has happened more than once, and even switching manufacturers doesn't help."

"Can't we switch to European or American brands?"

“Brother, you’ve been out of touch with the masses for far too long!” Xu Damao said in a literary style.

"Hehe, so you've returned to the ranks of the working class?" He Yuzhu laughed.

“I’m out and about every day, so I know more about it than you. It’s more expensive in Europe and America, and the tariffs are also higher.”

"understood."

“I understand your initial motivation for starting an electronics factory, but the premise is that the factory survives first. Once the policies become clearer, the electronics factory can operate independently without the group's funding.”

He Yuzhu pondered for a moment: "Okay, let's do it your way first. But Da Mao, there's something that can't be discussed."

"Brother, you tell me."

"The laboratory must be set up now. It doesn't need to be too large, and we can start building up our talent pool."

"understand!"

"Even if we don't produce the products we develop for the time being, we must keep iterating on the technology. We need to think long-term. Spending money now is so that we won't be left behind by others in the future."

Xu Damao scratched his head; he knew all too well how much a laboratory cost.

"Brother, how about this? We don't produce it ourselves, but we can find someone else to produce it. That way we can still recoup some of our costs."

"Let's get started first, and then see how things go on."

"Brother, what are you worried about?"

"patent."

"I understand. There are indeed no relevant policies or regulations in place in China right now."

"It shouldn't take too long, you get started."

"Hey bro, you're investing so much in the country, aren't you being a little too hasty?"

"I'm planning ahead. If you do it ten years from now, will the cost be the same? The special economic zone changes every day. Don't you realize that? Do you think the land we're getting now will still cost the same, and with such favorable policies, a few years from now?"

"That's true. By the way, could you come and take a look when the car factory starts production?"

"Yang Tao can go. I won't leave Hong Kong for the time being; it's too sensitive."

"it is good."

"I'm hanging up now. Talk to Yuxin if you need anything."

"understand!"

He Yuzhu was extremely busy, but little did he know that things were also quite lively in Beijing. Several groups of people had come and gone after the renovation of No. 95 Courtyard started. Who were they?

The eldest son of the Yan family is Yan Jiecheng, his eldest daughter-in-law is Yu Li, his second son is Yan Jiefang, his third son is Yan Jiekuang, and his deceased daughter is Yan Jiedi. The second son of the Liu family is Guangtian and his wife, and the third son is Liu Guangfu and his wife.

They came because they smelled money. The news that the He family had bought back No. 95 courtyard had somehow spread, and now everyone had heard about it.

The Yan family came as a group. One morning, Yan Jiecheng and his wife Yu Li, Yan Jiefang, Yan Jiekuang, and even Yan Jiedi, who had gotten married, returned. The whole family rode bicycles, creaking and groaning, into Nanluoguxiang.

When they arrived at courtyard number 95, they didn't stand on ceremony and went straight in. The workers inside were working enthusiastically, and the siblings watched with shining eyes and envious hearts.

After going around in circles, Yan Jiecheng clicked his tongue and said, "Wow, the He family has really prospered. Judging from their current situation, are they going to restore themselves to their ancestral ways?"

“That’s for sure,” Yan Jiefang agreed.

Yu Li tugged at his sleeve and lowered her voice: "Alright, you two brothers, stop with the sour talk! Find out where Dad and the others moved to."

“Sister-in-law is right,” Yan Jiedi said.

"What do you say, third brother?" Yu Li asked.

"Let's find our dad first," Yan Jiekuang said.

"Go to Old He's house?" Yan Jiecheng asked.

"Yeah, otherwise where would we ask?"

"Alright, it's not far anyway, let's walk there."

They had just been discharged from the hospital when Liu Guangtian and his wife, along with Liu Guangfu and his wife, arrived. The two groups bumped into each other at the gate, and both looked somewhat embarrassed.

Liu Guangtian gestured towards the courtyard with his chin: "Brother Jiecheng, you guys came back to visit too?"

"Just taking a look," Yan Jiecheng said. "I heard that the He family has taken back the entire courtyard, so I came to take a look."

"So you are now?"

"Go to Old He's house and ask where my dad is," Yan Jiecheng said. Yu Li nudged him from behind, and Yan Jiecheng added, "We're leaving now. You guys take your time looking around."

The two Liu brothers exchanged a glance, and Liu Guangtian said, "No, there's nothing much to see inside. Let's go together, let's go together."

"Fine!" Yan Jiecheng said helplessly.

The group headed straight for the He family's new residence.

When they arrived at the grand and imposing gate, the group jostled each other, but in the end, Yan Jiecheng stepped forward and knocked on the door knocker.

He Daqing came out to answer the door, and upon seeing the scene, his brows furrowed: "Who are you?"

Yan Jiecheng smiled broadly: "Uncle He, this is Yan Jiecheng, the eldest son of the Yan family in the front yard."

"Oh, I remember now, who are those people behind here?" He Daqing asked.

"Uncle He, this is...this is..." Yan Jiecheng introduced them one by one.

He Daqing wondered what these people were doing here, but pretended not to know: "What are you all doing here at my house?"

"Um, Uncle He, we came here to ask where my dad and Uncle Liu went?"

He Daqing shook his head and said, "Where did they go? How would I know? That's your dad. Didn't they tell you?"

Everyone at the door looked embarrassed. Yan Jiefang, however, was much thicker-skinned than his brother. He said, "Uncle He, how could you not know? You took the house, so you have to make sure my dad and the others have a place to live. Otherwise, why would they sell it?"

"They found the house themselves, you can't ask me." He Daqing glanced at him and was about to close the door.

Liu Guangfu hurriedly squeezed forward: "Uncle He, I wonder how much you paid for that house?"

"Do I need to tell you? Go ask your father!" With that, He Daqing closed the door.

The people at the door looked at each other, wanting to knock again, but found that a crowd of onlookers had gathered around.

"The He family is really lively here. Who's causing trouble this time?"

“You don’t recognize them? Aren’t these the kids from Teacher Yan’s family in courtyard number 95? And Liu’s second and third sons too.”

"Didn't those two kids run off with their stuff?"

"Hehe, I just came back because I saw there was a good deal to be had."

"That's true, I heard those two old men sold quite a lot this time."

"Really? How much?"

"I don't know the specifics, but I heard that the Jia family in that courtyard sold it for that amount."

"Wow, so many! How did you know that?"

"How else could I know? Let me tell you, I have a relative who works at the housing management office. That day..."

"."

Yu Li pulled Yan Jiecheng and said, "Let's go, are you still embarrassed by following along?"

"Where are we going?"

“Where else can we go? Dad needs to get his household registration and grain ration book sorted out. We should go to the neighborhood office and ask,” Yu Li said.

"Yeah, why didn't I think of that?"

"With a brain like yours, what could you possibly come up with?" Yu Li said irritably.

As soon as she finished speaking, Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu, along with their wives, quickly walked towards the neighborhood office.

"What are you standing there for? Let's go!" Yan Jiecheng waved his hand.

When they arrived at the subdistrict office, the subdistrict office didn't want to deal with them, as they knew all too well what kind of people these were.

But since they were relatives, the neighborhood committee eventually gave Yan Bugui and Liu Haizhong their address.

Upon arriving at the location, the two families found themselves in vastly different circumstances.

When pressed by his children, Yan Bugui stammered and gave no clear answer.

Liu Haizhong cursed from beginning to end, "What are you two unfilial bastards doing here? Did you come back looking for a beating?"

As he spoke, Liu Haizhong went to find some tools.

"Dad, you should take a rest. Do you still think of us as before?" The two brothers flanked Liu Haizhong from both sides.

"What are you doing? I'm your father."

"Yes, we know. We heard you sold the house for a lot of money. Your grandson's school expenses are high, so as his grandfather, why don't you lend us some money? Don't worry, this money won't be wasted. We will definitely take care of you in the future!" Liu Guangfu said.

"How come you've drained your father dry and now you're leaving me to starve? Dream on! Get out of here, I don't have sons like you."

“Dad, you may not acknowledge us, but we acknowledge you. You wouldn’t want no one to break the pot after you die, would you?” Liu Guangtian said.

"You're cursing me to die? I'll beat you to death, you unfilial son!" Liu Haizhong swung his fist, but Liu Guangtian grabbed it.

“Dad, you’re getting old, please don’t do this all the time.” With that, the two brothers pushed Liu Haizhong down onto the sofa, one on each side.

"Sister-in-law, wife, what are you standing there for? Go find them!" Liu Guangfu shouted.

"Oh, oh!"

"What are you two bastards doing? This is burglary, do you know that?"

“Dad, we’re coming home, how can this be considered breaking and entering?” Liu Guangfu said.

"Help! The son is trying to kidnap his father!" Liu Haizhong shouted.

"Dad, do you think anyone will come? This isn't No. 95 compound."

"Help! The son is trying to kidnap his father!"

On the other side, Yan Bugui wanted to go out and see what was going on, but Yan Jiecheng and Yan Jiefang stopped him at home.

"What, are you going to follow in the footsteps of those two bastards?" Yan Bugui said angrily.

“We won’t, but please don’t force us,” Yan Jiefang said. Of all his siblings, he was the worst off. His eldest brother and sister-in-law owned their own restaurant, and his third and fourth brothers had good jobs. He was the only one who had become a complete failure.

Yan Bugui also wanted to shout, but he was too proud to admit it, so he didn't. Of course, he didn't compromise either, and he withstood the barrage of questions from his children. The Yan family was good at scheming, but not at anything else, so the stalemate continued.

On Liu Haizhong's side, his house was ransacked, but apart from some loose change and grain coupons, they couldn't even find his household registration book or grain ration book, which shows how well Liu Haizhong hid them.

"Dad, just tell us where the money is," Liu Guangtian said.

"Humph!"

"Dad, you miss your granddaughter, don't you? I'll bring her over to see you tomorrow."

"Humph!"

"dad"

"dad"

Liu Haizhong was unyielding to both soft and hard approaches, but his shouts still had an effect. These days, the greatest entertainment is watching a spectacle, and the courtyard was surrounded by people.

Some busybodies even called the police.

"Make way, make way, everyone stop crowding around," said Officer A.

"Can anyone tell me what's going on inside?" Officer B asked.

“I know, these aren’t two old men who just moved in. They were doing fine for the first few days, but I only found out today that they are… I never expected this.” A concerned citizen who had seen everything started to explain to the police officer, speaking loudly.

"Oh, I see. That explains why I only saw two old men and not any family members."

"How come these two families' children are like this?"

"Don't talk nonsense if you don't know the situation, or someone might sue you."

"Why should I be accused? Isn't this obvious? The police will find out everything when they ask."

The police pushed through the crowd and entered the courtyard. The Liu brothers were still holding Liu Haizhong down on either side, while their two wives were making a racket inside the house.

"What are you doing! Let go!" Officer A shouted.

Liu Guangtian and Liu Guangfu were startled and quickly let go of each other's hands.

Liu Haizhong, panting heavily, pointed at his two sons: "Police officers, they...they robbed us!"

The two brothers' wives also came out of the house, looking embarrassed, with empty hands.

The police officer glanced at the messy room, then at the crowd of onlookers, and frowned as he asked, "What's going on? Who are you people?"

Liu Guangtian forced a smile: "Comrade, this is my dad. We've come back to see him."

"Looking at your dad?" The police officer pointed inside the house. "Is this how you look at someone? Is this acceptable?"

Liu Guangfu hurriedly said, "It's a misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding! We were just... just helping my dad tidy up the house; he's getting old."

"Cleaning up the house?" The police officer glared at him. "Who cleans up their house like this, and even holds the elderly down so they can't move? Tell me, who are you people? Otherwise, don't blame me for taking you back for questioning."

(End of this chapter)