Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 383 Talking about Cooperation

He Yuzhu shook his head helplessly, walked to the phone, picked up the receiver, and dialed Chen Sheng's number in North America.

After the call was connected, he exchanged a few brief pleasantries before getting to the point.

“Ah Sheng, there’s something you should keep an eye on. Look for companies in North America that make civilian infrared detection technology, such as those used for security, fire protection, or industrial inspection. See if there are any with advanced technology that could be a good fit for collaboration.” He Yuzhu said, glancing at Wu Qianli and Xiong Jie, who were listening intently beside him. “Yes, the key is performance indicators, especially their detection capabilities at night or in low visibility conditions. Also, keep an eye on related image processing technologies.”

Chen Sheng on the other end of the phone agreed and asked for some more details.

He Yuzhu was about to hang up when Wu Qianli covered the receiver, saying, "Zhuzi, why don't you ask about something else?"

"What else do you want to ask?"

Wu Qianli and Xiong Jie exchanged a glance, then lowered their voices and quickly mentioned several areas, such as communication anti-interference and material protection.

He Yuzhu nodded helplessly. Wu Qian then released the microphone and added to Chen Sheng, "Also, collect more information on cutting-edge civilian technologies related to communication reliability and new materials. If there are any factories over there that are about to go bankrupt, you know how to handle them, right?"

"I know, boss."

"Okay, that's settled then. Be careful over there and don't let anyone target you."

"clear."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu shrugged at his two old comrades who were looking at him expectantly: "Alright, that's all we can do. The rest is just waiting for news. Even if they come back, you'll still have to wait. We definitely can't prepare military equipment."

"That's fine, we can wait," the two said in unison.

"All right!"

"We're already at your house, why don't you prepare some dishes?" Xiong Jie said.

"Yes."

“I’m telling you two, you’ve gone too far. I came to see you, and now I have to do things for you and cater to your cravings.”

"Just tell me if you're going to do it or not?" Xiong Jie said.

"Go ahead and do it. You guys wait here. I'll go check what's in the kitchen."

"Then I'll call Wanli and the others to see if they have time." Xiong Jie picked up the phone and dialed.

Upon receiving the news, Wu Wanli and Yu Congrong immediately replied, "We'll be there right away if we have time."

Wu Qianli waited for Xiong Jie to hang up the phone, then pulled him to the door for a smoke and whispered, "You mean our three-capacity factories can't be the ones Zhu Zi mentioned?"

"You mean Shili?"

"Ah."

"Then I'll have to ask the logistics department if they have any land, otherwise you're thinking of getting something for nothing?" Xiong Jie said irritably.

"Zhu Zi won't mind."

"How can you live with yourself? Zhu Zi is the same as us. Besides, he has helped us a lot. If it weren't for his things, it's hard to say how many of our divisions would have been able to come back. Not to mention that he also took care of those old brothers." Xiong Jie said.

"Hey, I was just saying, and you actually took it seriously. Go back and ask them. The bigger the land, the better. Also, try to find some good locations for them as compensation. If that doesn't work, try to coordinate with other units. If you can't communicate with them, I'll talk to them."

“Okay, do you think this can work out?” Xiong Jie asked.

"Then what task do you think Zhu Zi has failed to accomplish?"

"It seems like there really isn't one. How about we go big, like a helicopter?" Xiong Jie suggested.

"That definitely won't work; it won't be approved."

“Okay,” Xiong Jie said.

He Yaozu, busy in the kitchen, had no idea that the two old men had set him up again. Of course, even if he knew, he would just laugh it off. He wanted to make a move, but the restrictions were too strict, leaving him with no way to use his skills.

He Yuzhu rummaged around in the kitchen for a while and found that the refrigerator had meat and vegetables, so it was quite well-stocked.

He put on an apron and began washing, chopping, cooking, and stir-frying.

Before long, the aromas of twice-cooked pork, shredded pork with garlic sauce, braised pork, boiled fish, spicy diced chicken, and garlic-flavored greens wafted out.

Wu Wanli and Yu Congrong arrived quickly, sniffing the air as they entered and exclaiming, "It smells delicious! Zhu Zi (Brother Zhu Zi)'s cooking is the best!"

The group sat around the dining table and opened a bottle of baijiu (Chinese liquor).

"You can all drink, right?"

"It's nothing, I reported it today," Wu Qianli said.

“Okay, then I’ll take out two more bottles,” He Yuzhu said.

“That’s more like it. We should get good wine, not be stingy,” Yu Congrong said.

"I think you're here to take advantage of me, aren't you?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

“Yes, I give all my money to my wife. I even have to control my drinking. If I don’t eat with you, who’s the big spender? I can’t even afford to eat with you once a year,” Yu Congrong said with a laugh.

He Yuzhu went and got two bottles of Xifeng liquor and two bottles of Fenjiu liquor.

"Zhu Zi, where's your Moutai? It's downgraded today."

"My wife bought this with Yu Yan's ticket. I didn't have a ticket. I can't get used to the distilled liquor from the South; the alcohol content is too low."

“We’re in the same boat. I have some tickets. Why don’t you buy some more?” Wu Qianli said.

“I have one too,” Wu Wanli said.

"So you're all just waiting for me to pay for it, aren't you?"

"Hahaha, that's what happens when you're rich."

"Alright, send over everything you can collect, preferably Moutai."

"no problem."

Wu Qianli raised his glass: "Come, the first toast, to old friends reunited!"

"Dry"

"This second cup is to toast Zhu Zi for all the help he has given us."

"Dry"

"This third cup is also related to your He family. Congratulations to your fifth son for taking a step forward and being promoted to major battalion commander."

Everyone clinked glasses in a toast.

He Yuzhu laughed and said, "This kid has finally made another step forward."

Yu Congrong picked up a piece of braised pork: "That's right, like father, like son. Zhu Zi, when are you going to get our division something decent too?"

Wu Qianli glared at him: "You can't even shut your mouth with food! Hasn't Zhuzi helped you enough?"

He Yuzhu waved his hand: "Wanli, are all the formalities completed?"

Wu Wanli nodded: "The appointment has been made and will be announced next week. Yu Yan has double happiness, having a big, healthy baby boy and getting a promotion."

“That’s for sure, this kid’s luck has really turned around,” Yu Congrong said.

“Yes, the military urgently needs people who are both educated and skilled. This kid has both. He should have been promoted a long time ago, but his seniority has been suppressed. Things will get much better in the future,” Wu Qianli said.

“You two brothers kept it a secret so well that I only found out now that he’s a proper military academy graduate, from a world-renowned university,” Yu Congrong said.

"Will it pass the review?" He Yuzhu asked curiously.

"As far as we know, he passed the exam for the intermediate class of the infantry school through self-study, and that's why he was approved."

"So, is he going to go to school next?"

"Yes, two years."

"What about my sister-in-law?"

"What, you want Bai Ge to go to Shijiazhuang too? If she goes, Yu Yan won't be able to take care of her, and she'll have to raise her herself."

"No, I'll think of a way. If it doesn't work, I'll have my mother take him back to Beijing in a hundred days."

“This is your family matter, you can discuss it yourselves. Of course, if Bai Ge has other ideas, I can also help you communicate with their unit leaders,” Wu Qianli said.

"Hmm, I'll ask first."

After the meal, Wu Qianli held a short meeting with the other three, and then they split up to carry out their respective tasks.

Those applying for approval are applying for approval, and those looking for land are looking for land.

Fearing that He Yuzhu would run away, they would come over from time to time to take a look. Once the land was settled, they would come over to discuss it. This time, they weren't discussing logistics. All four of them worked together, and they even dragged He Yuyan along as an accompaniment.

After they had all finished their business, they went together to He Yuzhu's place.

Looking at the four old comrades-in-arms sitting in his living room, plus the slightly awkward He Yuyan, He Yuzhu couldn't help but chuckle: "Goodness, did you all come as a group? Anyone who didn't know better would think something had happened to me, and that I had troubled you all to come to my door."

Wu Qianli waved his hand dismissively: "Stop interrupting! Zhuzi, the division has already coordinated the land issue. There are two options: one is in the suburbs, large in area, but with poor infrastructure; the other is closer to the current industrial zone, smaller, but with convenient water, electricity, and transportation. We're just waiting for your approval, and the paperwork will be done immediately." Xiong Jie added: "Several of the division's tertiary industry companies can merge some resources to form a start-up team. As for personnel, some technical backbones who are about to be hired, as well as family members with some education and quick hands, can be given priority."

He Yuzhu poured tea for the group and said slowly, "Old Wu, Old Xiong, you guys are too impatient. I only made the call a few days ago. There's still no definite news from North America, and the technology path and equipment list are nowhere to be found. You're already asking me to agree? What if the things we bring back aren't suitable, or we can't bring them back at all? What's the point of setting up this factory? To produce hoes and shovels?"

Yu Congrong, being impatient, chimed in, "Hey Zhuzi, you should agree first. Let's get the factory up and running, at least we'll have a reason. As for technology and equipment, get whatever we have, starting with the simplest things. We can take it slow; it's better than just waiting around!"

He Yuyan sat to the side, listening to the elders' discussion, and couldn't help but interject: "Big brother, the leaders also want to get things moving as soon as possible. I think if we can have a framework first, it will be easier to have a main body to take over the subsequent introduction of technology."

"Whose side are you on?" He Yuzhu glared at him.

"Well, I'm currently in the military," He Yuyan said with a forced smile.

Wu Qianli gave He Yuyan an approving look: "Look, young people are indeed enlightened."

"So you're saying I can't keep up with your thinking?" He Yuzhu said.

“You said it yourself, I didn’t,” Wu Qianli said with a smile.

“If that’s what you’re saying, then it’s fine. I do have a few projects on hand.” He Yuzhu paused here.

"What project? Tell me!" Xiong Jie said impatiently.

"You guys just provide the land, and then I take care of everything else?" He Yuzhu retorted.

"All we have is land."

"Both of your plots are industrial land, so how much investment will I have to make?"

"Look at my brain, there's a piece of land near that restaurant you guys run with the military logistics department, I'll give it to you as collateral, is that alright?" Xiong Jie slapped his forehead.

"That's more like it, otherwise I would have really thought you guys came here to freeload," He Yuzhu said with a laugh.

“Look at his businessman’s face. If I could beat him, I would have really taught him a lesson,” Yu Congrong said.

"What, don't my subordinates need to be supported?"

“You’re right, you’re right in every way, alright? Tell me, what projects can be launched now?” Yu Congrong said.

Looking at the expectant eyes of his old comrades, He Yuzhu tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"As for projects, we do have a few ready-made ones, so we don't have to wait for North America." He slowly began, "The first one is auto parts. Especially the chassis and transmission system of off-road vehicles. We are quite mature in this technology, and it can be used in both civilian and special vehicles. The market is also large."

Wu Qianli's eyes lit up: "That's great! Many parts of our military vehicles break down and we have to wait for them to come out. If we can produce them ourselves, it will be much more convenient!"

“The second one,” He Yuzhu continued, “is communication equipment. Not the large kind, but starting with small vehicle-mounted radios and portable walkie-talkies. The technology is readily available, and the civilian market is huge; construction sites and transportation teams all need them. Once they’re done well, they can be upgraded to form the basis for military applications.”

Xiong Jie nodded repeatedly: "This is practical! Communication is still a weakness in the troops below. If it can be popularized to the company and platoon levels, the combat effectiveness will be greatly improved."

"Is there anything else?" Yu Congrong pressed.

"Thirdly, precision machining. This is the foundation, including lathes, milling machines, and molds. They may seem insignificant, but both civilian and military industries cannot do without them. We can introduce some advanced CNC equipment, which will allow us to earn money by taking on external orders and also lay the foundation for the future."

He Yuyan couldn't help but interject, "Big brother, all three directions are very solid, not just castles in the air."

He Yuzhu nodded: "The factory will be prepared in these three directions first. The land will be chosen near the industrial zone, with convenient transportation and easy access to supporting facilities. As for personnel and technical training, I will have some key personnel transferred from the Special Economic Zone and Hong Kong. I will have someone send the equipment list later, and you can coordinate the import channels according to the list. You are better at this than I am."

"No problem!" Wu Qianli slapped his thigh. "We'll handle the paperwork and import matters! Lao Xiong, you're in charge of liaising with the local authorities; Wanli, you handle the paperwork at the ministry; Lao Yu, you work with Zhu Zi's people on personnel selection and factory construction!"

With clear division of labor, everyone was eager to get started.

He Yuzhu cautioned, "Let's get this straight: since this is a collaboration, we have to follow the company's rules. My people will be in charge of management, and you'll send people to supervise and cooperate. We might not make any money at first, or even lose money, so be patient."

"Don't worry, Zhuzi!" Wu Qianli said solemnly. "We understand that this is a long-term plan, and we will never allow amateurs to command professionals. As long as we can get this business up and running and leave a technical foundation for the army, we'll accept any losses!"

With the matter settled, the atmosphere became even more lively.

He Yuzhu invited them to stay for dinner, and they talked about many details during the meal.

A few days later, the draft agreement was released. The division would contribute a plot of land of about 200 acres near the industrial zone and the right to use a piece of commercial land adjacent to the military region's restaurant as equity to establish "South China Precision Engineering Co., Ltd." in a joint venture with the Yellow River Group.

The Yellow River Group is responsible for technology, equipment, capital, and major operational management.

Upon hearing the news, He Yuxin immediately flew over from Beijing, and Xu Damao also came.

"Brother, you've really taken a big step!" He looked at the draft agreement, both excited and worried. "Opening up three areas at once, can you manage it? And the financial pressure is considerable."

He Yuzhu handed him a cup of tea: "Funding is not a problem. The money earned in the foreign exchange market needs to be invested somewhere. In terms of management, we'll start by transferring people from the telecommunications company, the electronics factory, and the automobile factory in the special economic zone. Let Da Mao oversee the overall coordination here; he's already familiar with the military. Remember, don't focus on profits in the early stages. The key is to lay a solid foundation and build a strong team, especially in terms of the quality management system, which must be strictly enforced."

“I understand,” Xu Damao nodded.

He Yuxin said, "Should we contact domestic car manufacturers about auto parts first?"

"Yes, we can start with the aftermarket and non-critical components. For communication equipment, we'll prioritize meeting the needs of the group's internal staff and partners, and build a good reputation. Precision machining is of paramount importance; we need the best equipment and the most rigorous worker training."

The three brothers discussed until late at night and initially determined the development path for South China Precision Engineering.

At the same time, Wu Qianli and his team were also extremely efficient.

The military operates with lightning speed, processing all kinds of approvals at an astonishing pace. Land transfer, company registration, bank account opening, and other procedures were basically completed in just over a month.

The factory layout plan was completed by a design firm in Hong Kong, drawing on the concepts of advanced industrial parks abroad. It is rationally laid out and reserves space for future development.

The construction team used engineers from the city, who quickly entered the site, leveled the land, and built the factory buildings.

Xu Damao transferred a highly skilled team composed of technical, management, and financial personnel from the Special Economic Zone's electronics factory and Yellow River Communications to Huacheng to begin recruiting local workers and conducting preliminary training.

He Yuxin stayed in Huacheng for a few days and then flew away again; he was busy enough with real estate matters.

After Zhou Baige finished her postpartum confinement, seeing that He Yuyan was about to report to the military academy, she discussed with Chen Lanxiang and decided to take the child and live with her mother-in-law back to Beijing, which would also make it easier for He Yuyan to reunite with her during her leave.

As for the temporary transfer back to Beijing, He Yuyan was reluctant, but knew it was the best arrangement at the moment.

Before leaving, He Yuyan specifically sought out He Yuzhu: "Brother, thank you for the South China Precision Machinery project. It's a great thing not only for our division but also for the entire army."

He Yuzhu patted him on the shoulder: "We don't talk about these things among family, but you may not be a high-ranking official, but you have a lot on your mind. Study hard when you go to military school."

"Brother, I'm not a child anymore, my son is already a month old."

"Alright, no matter how old you are, you were raised by your sister-in-law."

"hey-hey."

After seeing his family off, He Yuzhu stayed in Guangzhou for a while longer before returning to Hong Kong, and Xiaoman went back with him.

In Hong Kong, Ho Yiu-cho has made a trip to Europe and is preparing to travel to North America.

During this trip, he will focus on the fields of civil aviation and shipbuilding.

Xiaoman both supported her son's journey and couldn't help but worry about him, repeatedly reminding him to be careful.

He Yuzhu remained relatively calm, simply handing He Yaozu a list containing the names of several Chinese experts who had made significant contributions to North American academia and industry.

"If you have the chance, you can visit them and ask if they might be able to serve the Yellow River."

“I understand, Dad.” He Yaozu solemnly accepted the list.

After He Yaozu left, He Yuzhu summoned Wilson and Bai Yifeng.

"How far have you progressed in what I asked you to do?"

Wilson placed a document in front of He Yuzhu: "Boss, the preliminary investigation is complete. The target company does have unique expertise in shipbuilding, especially in the technology of LNG carriers and large container ships, with very high patent barriers. Their shipyard is currently fully booked and in good financial condition, making a direct acquisition highly unlikely."

Bai Yifeng continued, "The situation is similar with permanent magnet motors. Several core companies have leading technologies, especially in motors used in precision machine tools and potential new energy fields, which they consider strategic assets. We have tried to contact them through various channels, but their attitude has been very cautious, even bordering on rejection."

He Yuzhu gently flipped through the documents, his gaze sweeping over the complex technical parameters and the company's equity structure diagram, his face revealing no emotion.

“It seems that buying directly won’t work.” He closed the file. “Shipbuilding is their mainstay, and they won’t easily let outsiders get involved. Permanent magnet motors are related to many downstream industries, so it’s understandable that they’re keeping them tightly under their belt.”

He pondered for a moment and said to Wilson, “Let’s change our approach to shipbuilding. Aren’t they overwhelmed with orders and facing production constraints? Let’s try to find a way to work with their upstream supply chain. Specialty steel, marine engines, navigation and communication systems—are there any breakthroughs we can find in these key components? Or, let’s see if they have any secondary suppliers that are experiencing difficulties. We could invest in or cooperate with them on technology.”

“Understood, boss. I will focus on investigating the weak points in their supply chain.” Wilson nodded and made a note.

He Yuzhu then turned to Bai Yifeng: "In terms of motors, their technology is good, but the market is not monolithic. The demand for certain high-end motors in Europe and North America is also growing. We can try to cooperate with laboratories or small companies in Europe and America that have the technology but lack cost advantages or market channels. In addition, we should closely monitor the dynamics of their researchers, especially those experts who may be dissatisfied with the status quo or seeking greater development opportunities. We must be extra careful in our approach when making contact to ensure absolute safety."

"Yes, boss. We will proceed in the safest way," Bai Yifeng replied.

"This matter cannot be rushed; it must be handled steadily and discreetly."

He Yuzhu stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the ships sailing in Victoria Harbour in the distance. "Good things take patience to get. They're going downhill, so let's plant the seeds and wait for the wind to come."

Wilson and Bai Yifeng exchanged a glance, understanding He Yuzhu's meaning.

This is not a quick and decisive acquisition battle, but a long-term game that requires careful planning and patient waiting.

“We’ll keep the pace right,” they both said in unison.

He Yuzhu nodded slightly and said nothing more.

The two turned and left He Yuzhu's office.

(End of this chapter)