Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 381 Brother, do you want me to introduce you to them?

"Shouldn't their work unit get the land approved for building houses? Why are they asking you for help?"

"Hey, this isn't our spot, is it?"

"Ignore them. What are they thinking? They have their own land. They're not just eyeing what they don't have."

"I think so too."

"Hurry up and wash your hands and eat."

"it is good."

A few days later, a visitor came to No. 95 courtyard. He was the deputy director of the subdistrict office, surnamed Huang, and he had a smile on his face.

"Mr. He, Mr. He, sorry to bother you." After a few pleasantries, Director Huang got down to business. "There's something I need. The district has a key project that they've set their sights on. They've got their eye on that empty two-courtyard house on the west side of our alley. They asked me to inquire whether the He family is willing to sell it. The price is negotiable, but it will definitely be higher than the market price."

That courtyard house was acquired by the He family years ago and has been vacant ever since.

Before He Yuzhu could speak, Old Zhao, who was visiting, had already figured it out: "Director Huang, what kind of market price are you talking about?"

Director Huang held up two fingers and flipped them over: "Let's start by this number."

"How much, twenty thousand?"

"Secretary Zhao, it's two hundred thousand."

"Ah, two hundred thousand?" Old Fang gasped.

That courtyard wasn't small, but back then, it would have been worth at most ten thousand.

Director Huang nodded with a smile: "The main thing is that the location is good and meets the planning requirements. Mr. He, would you like to consider it?"

He Yuzhu picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and then said unhurriedly, "Director Huang, thank you for making this trip. I have other uses for that yard, so I don't plan to touch it for the time being. Besides, I haven't heard anything about any planning for that land. Could it be that someone wants to buy it privately?"

"Mr. He is truly insightful; why don't you consider it?"

"Do I look like someone who's short of 200,000?" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Alright!" Having said that, Director Huang didn't say anything more, exchanged a few more polite words, and then left.

The courtyard fell silent for a moment.

Watching Director Huang's retreating figure, Old Zhao shook his head and sighed, "Good heavens, 200,000 yuan is all the savings I've accumulated in my life, and it's not even enough to buy a side room."

Old Fang tapped the stone table thoughtfully: "Old Zhao, looking at it this way, what if our two courtyards were also..."

Before he could finish speaking, He Yuzhu waved his hand and said, "Uncle Fang, Uncle Zhao, you two shouldn't even think about that."

"What?" Old Zhao looked at him. "Can't we, two old bones, exchange them for some money?"

"Are you short of money?" He Yuzhu asked irritably.

"No shortage."

"What's the rush? Housing prices are going to rise even more. And Uncle Fang, you're not going to return the apartment your company allocated to you, are you?"

"It seems to still be there, so how come that will also be mine in the future?"

"possible."

"I'm not going to take advantage of that," Old Fang said.

"You are a man of noble character!" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"That was never mine to begin with."

“Okay, if you say it’s not, then it’s not,” He Yuzhu continued with a smile.

A few days later, one evening, Zhao Shenglin came to courtyard number 95 carrying two boxes of pastries.

She didn't go directly to He Yuzhu, but went to see Chen Lanxiang first.

"Auntie, are you feeling better?" Zhao Shenglin placed the snacks on the table and sat down next to the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed).

Chen Lanxiang leaned against the pile of quilts, her complexion better than before: "Much better, but I still feel empty inside."

"I'll have my mom come over and keep you company more often."

"She comes quite often, but you're a rare guest. What have you been busy with lately?"

"I haven't been busy with anything."

"Did something happen at work?"

No, not at all.

"Oh, you've come to my door with these things, it seems you need something from me!"

Zhao Shenglin hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Auntie, I... I want to leave my job and work with Brother Zhu and the others, but my dad doesn't agree."

“You should go directly to your brother Zhu for this. I can’t persuade your old man Zhao,” Chen Lanxiang said.

"I came here to see Brother Zhu, but I had to come and see you first," Zhao Shenglin said.

"Alright, you've seen it all, I'm fine. Look at how distracted you are, go find your brother Zhu Zi."

"Oh, I'll come talk to you after I finish talking to Brother Zhu," Zhao Shenglin said.

"Go."

Zhao Shenglin got up and went to He Yuzhu's study, knocking on the door.

"Enter!"

"Brother Zhu!" Zhao Shenglin pushed open the door and entered.

He Yuzhu looked up at Zhao Shenglin: "Shenglin's here? Is something the matter?"

Zhao Shenglin said, "Brother Zhu, I want to resign and work at Huanghe. Our company is now self-sufficient and not doing well, so there's no point in working here."

"You've had this idea for several years, but you've been hesitant about it. What's wrong with you today? Have you finally come to your senses?"

“Well, when my dad was still in power, he always said it would have a bad influence,” Zhao Shenglin said.

"He's not talking now?"

"That's good. That's why I came to you. Please help me persuade my dad. My mom has agreed, but he just won't agree," Zhao Shenglin said.

"What?"

“He thinks working for a government company is better. I’m different from my brothers; I’m just a junior accountant,” Zhao Shenglin said.

"Have you made up your mind?"

“I’ve made up my mind!” Zhao Shengli said.

"Okay, then I'll put in a good word for you."

"Thank you, Brother Zhu! Where's my sister-in-law? I'll go talk to her." Zhao Shenglin said.

"You really are using people wisely! She's in her study, go ahead," He Yuzhu joked with a smile.

"Hehe," Zhao Shenglin chuckled awkwardly.

The next day, He Yuzhu treated Lao Zhao and Lao Fang to dinner.

As soon as Old Zhao entered, he shouted, "Today I've come to a banquet treachery!"

"You're happy that Zhu Zi invited you to dinner, but it's a trap." Old Fang entered the room right after.

"Just you wait and see."

"real or fake?"

"Humph!"

After a few rounds of drinks at the dinner table, He Yuzhu handed Old Zhao a cigarette. "Uncle Zhao, I heard from Sheng Li that she wants a change of scenery?"

Upon hearing this, Old Zhao frowned: "This girl, she came to see you again? I knew it! Zhu Zi, don't listen to her nonsense. She gave up a good job and insisted on messing around with real estate. Is that something she's good at?"

“Uncle Zhao, you can’t say that.” He Yuzhu lit a cigarette for him. “It’s good that Shengli has ideas. Now that the policies are relaxed and the real estate industry is just starting out, there are many opportunities. Let her give it a try. If she doesn’t succeed, it’s not too late to turn back.”

"Turning back? You make it sound so easy! That secure job isn't something she can just throw away and pick up again as she pleases. She's forty, not twenty anymore."

"Look at what you're saying! You're never too old to learn!"

"Zhu Zi is right," Old Fang chimed in.

"With the pillar there, you're perfect in every way, everything you do is right," Old Zhao said irritably.

"Hey, why are you getting so worked up?" Old Fang said.

"Humph."

"Uncle Zhao, let me analyze this first, and then you can think about it yourself."

"Okay, go ahead, I'm listening."

He Yuzhu poured Old Zhao a full glass of wine and said calmly, "Uncle Zhao, I'm not trying to be pessimistic. Look at the world now, how many factories are still operating on the same old system? The equipment is outdated, and the products haven't changed in decades. Look at the outside world now! If things continue like this, forget about development, even survival will be difficult."

Old Zhao took a sip of his drink and remained silent.

He Yuzhu continued, "Take the textile industry for example. Many small factories in the south have flexible mechanisms, low costs, and new styles. Some of the large factories here are burdened with heavy liabilities, slow to switch production, and have mountains of inventory. Can the banks keep giving them money?"

Old Fang interjected, "I heard some factories can't even pay wages." "This is just the beginning," He Yuzhu put down his chopsticks. "In some industries, such as general machinery manufacturing and some light industries, competition will become increasingly fierce. Those that are inefficient and unable to adapt to the market will be eliminated sooner or later. This isn't about anyone being ruthless; it's the law of nature."

Old Zhao frowned: "If that's the case, what about all those workers? Can the government just stand by and do nothing?"

“We will regulate, but the methods of regulation will change,” He Yuzhu said. “We may allow profitable companies to merge with poor ones, or introduce foreign or private capital for restructuring. Workers will also have to change their mindset and earn a living through their skills. Take Sheng Li, for example. She feels that she is not learning anything new at her company and her income is only average. Why can’t she go out and try something new? The newly established real estate company under the Yellow River needs someone like her who understands finance and knows the company inside and out.”

Old Fang said thoughtfully, "I've been reading documents lately that mention 'transforming the operating mechanism' and 'breaking the iron rice bowl.' It seems this trend is really about to take off."

Old Zhao sighed: "I understand the reasoning, but when I think of those old factories and old colleagues, I feel terrible."

“The growing pains are inevitable.” He Yuzhu put a piece of meat on his plate. “But it’s the general trend. Just like this house, once it becomes a commodity, the houses builders, the houses sellers, and the related industrial chains will all thrive, creating countless jobs. Sheng Li and her generation are just catching the tail end of the generation. If they don’t work hard now, they’ll miss their chance. Uncle Zhao, just let her try. With Xiaoman and me watching over her, nothing serious will happen.”

Old Zhao remained silent for a while before finally picking up his wine glass and clinking it against He Yuzhu's: "Sigh, I can't argue with you. Let her be. But Yuzhu, you have to promise me that you'll let her make her own way, not give her a comfortable life and make you support her."

"Don't worry," He Yuzhu replied with a smile.

"That's good. She needs to experience some hardship so she knows that it's not easy to make it in the outside world."

"I'm afraid you're about to miscalculate. With the abilities of the He brothers, your daughter will definitely have a good time once she gets into their company. I bet you'll be benefiting from her success later on," Old Fang laughed.

"Really? Her mother has been supporting her all these years, how could I possibly benefit from her?"

"You're such an old-fashioned person."

"Zhu Zi, how much do you think Sheng Li can get for going there?"

"I can't say for sure, let Yuxin decide. But it will definitely be higher than before Lao Zhao retired."

"What?" Old Zhao was shocked. What level was he? His daughter had never even been a team leader, yet she earned more than him before. He felt resentful.

"I'm underestimating the situation. It depends on the specifics. They probably make their money mainly from commissions. They could potentially earn in a month what you used to earn in a year, two years, or even ten years."

"Zhu Zi, isn't this a bit too much?" Old Zhao couldn't stay calm.

“There are ready-made examples. You’ve all met them. Li Chengru, who often goes home, is now the manager of an electronics mall.”

How much does he make a month?

"It seems to be around five or six thousand, but it could be over ten thousand if the performance is good."

The two old men went into EMO mode.

“What’s wrong? Are you scared? Actually, this is nothing in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, it’s basically a minimum of three thousand Hong Kong dollars,” He Yuzhu said.

"How long will it take for China to reach that level?" Lao Fang suddenly asked.

"Ten or twenty years, it's hard to say."

"That big of a difference?"

“Hmm, the plate is too big, it won’t be that easy,” He Yuzhu said.

"Then you think there will be a lot of these?"

"Like bamboo shoots after a spring rain!"

"It's an inevitable trend, old friend, we're all getting old!" Old Fang sighed.

"Yeah, we can't keep up. It seems we really can't help Zhu Zi much."

"That's not how it works. Actually, China is still a society that values ​​personal connections. I'll let you know when I need your help, but I won't bother you with general business."

"We understand. Just let us know if you need anything." Both of them knew what He Yuzhu was talking about. Anyone who would contact them must be someone special, possibly someone who was simply subsidizing the country.

"Come on, let's drink and eat. We've been so busy talking that we've been distracted," He Yuzhu said.

"Come."

In May, after "The Cornerstone" aired during prime time on CCTV, it generated a response that far exceeded expectations.

The TV series touched many viewers with its simple and genuine style, vivid characters, and profound portrayal of the mission of soldiers in peacetime.

Newspaper reviews were mostly positive, praising the series for opening up new directions for military-themed works.

As a co-writer, Ho Yiu-chung's name appeared repeatedly in the opening credits, and it quickly spread within the industry.

That day, He Yaozong had just entered the Beijing Film Academy campus when he was stopped by the gatekeeper.

"Hey, wait! Your letter!" The old man carried out a stack of letters from inside the house, probably twenty or thirty. "Here, these are all yours! You've had quite a few these past few days; this is practically your personal mailbox now."

He Yaozong thanked him, took the heavy stack of letters, and was a little stunned.

He took the letter, walked to a stone bench near the teaching building, sat down, and quickly flipped through it.

The addresses on the envelopes were varied, including those from major film studios and television arts departments, local literary and art federations and cultural centers, and even some unfamiliar personal addresses.

He opened several packages.

Some were invitations from film studios to write scripts, covering a wide range of themes from military to industry to rural life; some were from television stations wanting him to participate in program planning; and many were from literature enthusiasts, some expressing their love for "The Cornerstone," some attaching their own works for his guidance, and a few even with beautiful handwriting, revealing a desire to make friends with him.

He Yaozong looked at the pile of letters, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

He never expected that a TV series could attract so much attention.

Upon entering the classroom, the previously noisy environment instantly quieted down considerably.

Several classmates turned to look at him, their eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of envy.

His classmates, whom he knew well, gathered around and patted him on the shoulder: "Wow, Yaozong! Our whole family has read 'The Cornerstone,' and even my dad said it's really well-written! You're a celebrity now!"

During the break, even the teacher jokingly teased him, "He Yaozong, it seems our directing department can't keep you here. Your screenwriting talent is impossible to hide. When you become a great screenwriter, don't forget to check out the works produced by our school."

He Yaozong was a little embarrassed by what was said and could only wave his hands repeatedly: "Teacher, please don't joke with me. I'm just lucky to be learning from the seniors."

That day, He Yaozong was carrying a stack of letters, walking quickly towards the dormitory building with his head down, wanting to stuff these "troubles" into his drawer as soon as possible. Just as he turned the corner of the teaching building, he heard a few crisp greetings.

"He Yaozong, classmate!"

He looked up and saw three girls in practice clothes standing in front of him; they were clearly from the performing arts department.

The one in the lead had a ponytail and bright eyes, while the one next to her had short hair, and the other smiled shyly with her lips pursed.

They had just finished class, and their foreheads were still damp with sweat.

"Uh, hello." He Yaozong stopped in his tracks, looking a little awkward.

He recognized the girl with the ponytail as a well-known one from the performing arts department, who seemed to have acted in plays outside of school.

“We are from the Acting Department, Class of '88,” the girl with the ponytail said confidently. “We just finished reading ‘The Cornerstone’ and we really admire your script. We would like to ask you for advice on some character development issues.”

The short-haired girl chimed in, "Yes, especially the psychological process of that company commander's transformation; we pondered it for a long time."

He Yaozong felt the letter in his hand grow heavier. "I don't deserve such praise. I'm still learning. The script is the result of collective creation, and many details were handled by the director and teachers."

"Don't be modest," the girl with the ponytail said with a smile. "By the way, our department is having a skit performance next month, and we're in need of a good script. What do you think?"

He Yaozong was inwardly groaning, wondering how to refuse, when he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure walking towards the dormitory.

He immediately raised his voice: "Ningxue!"

He Ningxue was wearing a light-colored coat and carrying several lunch boxes and some fruit. "Brother, aren't you going to come and get them?"

Actually, she had just seen her brother surrounded by several girls, so she deliberately walked slower.

He Yaozong felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He nodded to the girls and then quickly ran to He Ningxue's side: "Why are you here?"

"Hmph, it's all because Mom was worried you wouldn't eat well at school. Dad cooked all of this himself."

"Dad still has time to cook?"

"There's no way around it, Grandma said so, we have to do it whether we like it or not. By the way, brother, who are those pretty girls?"

"Oh, I don't know them. They came to see me earlier, and I didn't have a chance to introduce them yet."

"Oh? How about I introduce you two? You're both quite pretty?"

"No need?"

"Comrade He Yaozong, your marriage is on the agenda at home!"

"Are you going to take this too seriously?"

"Hehe, look, they haven't left yet. They're definitely still waiting for you."

As they were talking, a few girls walked over. The girl with the ponytail spoke first: "Senior He, who is this girl? She's so pretty! Is she also a senior at our school? Could you introduce her to me?"
Before He Yaozong could speak, He Ningxue said, "I am his sister, my name is He Ningxue, it's a pleasure to meet you young comrades."

The women simultaneously lowered their guard and breathed a sigh of relief.

"What are your names?" He Ningxue smiled like a little fox.

"My name is Xu Qing."

"My name is Jiang Wenli."

"My name is Li Ting."

"Hello!"

"Hello, Sister Ningxue!" the girls said in unison.

(End of this chapter)