Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 388 Technological Breakthrough

December 1988, Los Angeles, North America.

The launch of the Vision 1.0 desktop operating system by a company called Neo-Vision in collaboration with AMD, along with a new microcomputer paired with an LCD monitor from Taishan Group, caused a huge sensation in the computer industry.

The booth was constantly surrounded by people coming to inquire and experience the products.

Many representatives from companies and educational institutions who originally planned to purchase IBM microcomputers showed a strong desire to buy them after experiencing the graphical interface and LCD screen clarity of the Vision system.

"The display is so clear, unlike the bulky one we used before, which had ghosting."

"The system is very responsive and easy to use."

Purchasing managers from several large chain electronics stores immediately expressed their intention to cooperate.

Executives from IBM and Microsoft were also present, watching with grim faces as distributors, agents, and OEMs placed orders with several companies on the spot.

The next day, Microsoft headquarters convened a meeting of the core development team, and a detailed technical report on the Vision system was sent to everyone present.

"Their graphical user interface is ahead of the curve, and we must speed up the development of Windows 3.0." Gates' voice was clearly not as calm as he appeared.

The engineer in charge of the Windows project looked troubled: "Boss, I think we need more time. This system is much more advanced than the WIN3.0 we're about to release."

"I know that it's not a matter of competing on technology now. If we don't release new products, we will lose the entire market."

The atmosphere at the meeting was somber. Gates was right; falling behind even once could mean falling behind every step of the way. If there were no follow-up products, IBM would probably consider collaborating with New Vision. If New Vision's version iterations were fast enough, then they would be out of the running.

Even if they catch up with New Vision, they will only be able to snatch food from New Vision's mouth, which will be difficult. This is because it's not just a hardware issue, but also a software issue. Unless they surpass New Vision by a large margin in one go, professional software companies will not adapt their software for them, and they will lose most of their current customer base, unless they develop their own professional software.

The atmosphere at IBM headquarters was equally somber, as many of their orders had been cancelled.

“Our PS/2 series has been surpassed in graphics display and user experience. Their LCD monitors are a huge selling point, and we must launch our own solution as soon as possible,” a marketing executive said, pointing to the demonstration data.

"Negotiations with the Japanese chicken manufacturer must be expedited. Additionally, we need to contact our R&D department to see if we can integrate graphical interface support into our existing product line."

"Not only that, Intel's chips are also lagging behind. Should we consider increasing our purchases of AMD chips?"

"We need to focus on the monitor issue as soon as possible, but we'll see about the chip issue later. Intel should have some follow-up actions," the CEO said.

Meanwhile, in Neo-Vision's office, Ho Yiu-cho was listening to a sales report.

"We've received orders for over five thousand units in just three days, mainly from universities and design companies," the sales director said, unable to hide his excitement. "AMD processors are performing stably, and the monitors from Taishan Group are being delivered promptly."

Chen Sheng nodded: "Continue to maintain communication with the distributors. Also, have the technical team prepare subsequent upgrade plans. I expect IBM and Microsoft to respond soon."

"Preparations are already underway. Our Vision 2.0 should be ready for testing around February next year."

Just then, Chen Sheng's assistant knocked and entered: "Mr. Chen, someone claiming to be a professor from the Computer Science Department at Stanford University wants to meet with the company's head. He says he's very interested in our graphical interface."

"Please invite him to the conference room. Martin, you go and greet him."

"Yes, boss."

The visitor was Professor David P., who got straight to the point: "Mr. Hernandez, your operating system has greatly inspired me. Our lab has been researching the application of graphical user interfaces and hopes to establish a collaboration with you."

“We would love to collaborate with academic institutions. I wonder what specific ideas the professor has?” Martin Hernandez said.

“We have some research findings on graphics algorithm optimization that might help improve the performance of your system. In addition, we are also developing some specialized software that we hope will be adapted to the Vision system first,” said Professor David P.

“That sounds like a great opportunity. We can arrange for our technical team to discuss this with you in detail,” said Martin Hernandez.

After seeing Professor David P. off, Martin Hernandez returned and gave a report.

Chen Sheng asked He Yaozu to give a report to He Yuzhu.

"Uncle Sheng, this is all thanks to you. How could I possibly take the blame?"

“It doesn’t matter who reports it, it’s all the same. What credit is this? This is the group’s achievement. I’m just keeping an eye on the business here for your father,” Chen Sheng said.

"OK then."

However, Ho Yiu-cho did not let Chan Seng leave, but instead dialed a phone number in Hong Kong in front of him.

"Dad, the initial market response to the Vision system is very good. Several of our products are selling very well, and academic institutions have already taken the initiative to seek cooperation in software."

"Tell Chen Sheng that we must take seriously any professional software vendors seeking cooperation, and also, we must not be complacent. IBM and Microsoft will not stand idly by. The most important thing is to protect our technology, especially the core code of the graphical interface."

"You mean inside?"

"Yes, patents are for external parties."

“Uncle Sheng is listening too, why don’t you just talk to him directly?”

"Okay, let him answer the phone."

"boss!"

"Ah Sheng, you need to take the code issue seriously. It would be best to develop additional software specifically for code management. We can't rely solely on people to solve security problems."

"Yes, the head of R&D has already considered this and it's underway."

“Very good. Tell them to speed things up. Also, those R&D personnel should be managed centrally. Their families can also be taken care of.”

"I'll handle this."

"That's good. Give the phone to Yaozu."

"Yes."

Chen Sheng then handed the phone to He Yaozu.

"dad!"

"Come back once you're done over there. There are other things for you to do here. Be careful on the road, and make sure you take the people assigned to you with you."

"I know."

Not long after He Yaozu returned to Hong Kong, Chen Sheng sent news from North America.

Several groups of unidentified individuals attempted to infiltrate AMD's labs and New Vision's core R&D area, with headhunting firms even offering high-priced incentives to entice core engineers.

Following He Yuzhu's prior instructions, Chen Sheng packaged up conclusive evidence and handed it over to the FBI, claiming that the company's technology and personnel safety were threatened.

After the FBI intervened, the overt harassment did indeed subside.

As for those ignorant fools who, in the FBI's view, also belonged to the "gray area," they were "properly dealt with" by Bai Yifeng's men in their own way.

He Yaozu stayed in Hong Kong for a few days before being sent to the mainland by He Yuzhu. News didn't travel that fast back then.

He Yaozu brought a batch of new AMD machines and hard drives with the Vision system, intending to hold a promotional event in Beijing.

After He Yaozu arrived in Beijing with his equipment and personnel, Huanghe Group quickly held a new product showcase at the Grand Hyatt Hotel's conference center. Their public identity was that of the Asia-Pacific distributor for AMD and Vision systems, with the authorization letter already prepared in North America.

Representatives from various universities, research institutes, some ministries and agencies, and powerful enterprises and institutions were invited to attend.

When the microcomputer equipped with the Vision graphical operating system and the slim, high-definition LCD monitor were unveiled, they immediately caused a sensation.

Compared to the DOS system, which required complex input commands and was commonly used in China at the time, and the bulky, flickering CRT monitors, the products brought by Huang He seemed to come from another era.

"This...this doesn't require memorizing commands, you can operate it just by clicking the mouse?" An elderly researcher wearing thick glasses leaned in front of the screen, incredulous.

"This monitor is so clear, it doesn't strain my eyes at all!" exclaimed an office director from a government agency.

While promoting the project, they also announced the establishment of Yellow River Software Company, whose first business was to localize Vision into Chinese.

The system's compatibility with several office and engineering auxiliary software programs further demonstrated to the attendees the broad prospects for practical applications.

After the exhibition, orders poured in, mainly concentrated in the fields of scientific research, design, and high-end office space.

Many people come to ask if their existing computers can be upgraded and the Vision system can be installed. Huang He said that he would arrange for someone to provide on-site service and try his best to meet customer needs.

The names of Yellow River Computer Company and Yellow River Software Company became instantly famous, attracting envy and jealousy from companies like Lenovo.

Huang Lingyi also went there with the people from the Yellow River Group's Microelectronics R&D Center. Only by knowing the gap can we catch up.

Of course, only she herself knew that these things might all belong to Huanghe. While she was shocked, she admired even more the foresight of Huanghe's boss, He Fei, which was among the world's best.

He Yuzhu smiled as he listened to He Yuxin and He Yaozu report on the grand occasion of the exhibition over the phone.

"Brother, how much more are you hiding outside? I heard Yaozu say that the monitor is also ours?"

"There aren't many left, didn't you see?"

“I don’t think I’ve seen everything,” He Yuxin said.

"Just consider it all," He Yuzhu said.

"Okay, the main problem is that I feel like I can't keep up."

“You still have to accept it, Yaozu will help you accept it.”

On the other end of the phone, the uncle and nephew looked at each other and smiled bitterly.

"There's another thing. We'll all be going back to Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year, and we'll bring the elderly back with us."

"Ah, you're no longer staying in Beijing?"

"Ah."

"What about Uncle Fang and the others?"

"They can't come to Hong Kong, so it would be best to persuade them to go to Guangzhou or the Special Administrative Region."

"You'll have to do this; I can't persuade you otherwise."

"Alright, there's one more thing. Have Yaozong take a semester's leave of absence. I have something for him to do when he comes back."

"Huh?" He Yuxin was taken aback.

"Just do it."

"Brother, you've given me a whole bunch of difficult questions, none of them are easy to talk to," He Yuxin complained.

"You have to get it done, even if it's difficult. Get your wife and kids' visas sorted out as soon as possible."

"That doesn't need to be done, we already have it. What about Lao Wu and his wife? Are we just going to leave them be?"

"We can't control them, let them just stay in Beijing."

"Then you can just wait for Mom to scold you. Yangyang is her darling now."

"How about we let her bring Yaoyang along?" He Yuzhu scratched his head.

"Hehe, do you think her mother will agree?" He Yuxin laughed. "Anyway, we're going to lose one family, so I'll ask her."

"That's true, the fourth and fifth brothers can never get together."

"Alright, take care of things on the mainland, especially your wife's side."

"Oh, they're on holiday for the Lunar New Year, it's fine."

“Alright then.” He Yuzhu hesitated before speaking.

He Yuxin didn't recognize it.

He Yuxin returned to No. 95 Courtyard and, steeling herself, told He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang about her trip to Hong Kong for the Chinese New Year.

As expected, before He Daqing could say anything, Chen Lanxiang became unhappy.

"What? Go to Hong Kong for the New Year? No way!" Chen Lanxiang hugged He Yaoyang in her arms and shook her head like a rattle drum. "Why bother the child in this freezing weather? Besides, what will happen to Lao Wu and his wife if we all leave? Are we going to leave them here all alone with nothing to do?"

He Yuxin quickly explained, "Mom, my brother said that Lao Wu and his wife probably won't be able to get leave, so they'll just stay in Beijing. Mainly, it's been a long time since you two have been back to Hong Kong, so it's time for you to go back for a visit. Besides, it's warmer there."

“Even if it’s warm, we won’t go!” Chen Lanxiang interrupted him. “My grandson is still young and can’t take this kind of trouble. Your older brother is the same, always doing things on a whim. Tell him that if you want a family reunion, you should all come back to Beijing! Otherwise, don’t bother with this troublesome thing.”

He Daqing, smoking a cigarette, said slowly, "Your mother is right. We're already back, why would we go back? The New Year is so lively in Beijing. Is something wrong with your brother?"

He Yuxin gritted her teeth and said, "Dad, Mom, there really is something wrong. It's my brother. He can't come back."

"What? What trouble has he gotten into this time?"

"I don't know either. I only heard it from Yuyao." He Yuxin lied. He Yuzhu had already told him, but didn't say why. But he guessed it.

“No, I have to call him and ask him,” Chen Lanxiang said.

Chen Lanxiang was about to make a phone call, but He Yuxin quickly stopped her: "Mom, don't ask. My brother hasn't even told me. Asking will probably be pointless."

He Daqing tapped his cigarette ash, seemingly lost in thought: "Zhu Zi isn't someone who doesn't know what's important. Since he made this arrangement, he must have his reasons."

"What's the point? Making people run around during the New Year." Chen Lanxiang was still dissatisfied, but her tone had softened a bit.

In the end, despite their doubts, the elderly couple agreed to go to Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year, because without their eldest son's family, the New Year would certainly not feel like the New Year.

However, Chen Lanxiang didn't call He Yuzhu, but she did call Xiaoman. Actually, Xiaoman didn't know what was going on either, and she was a little confused when she was asked.

"Mom, Brother Zhu didn't say anything. Should I go ask him?"

"No need, no need. Just tell him we're going back for the New Year and to get the house ready in advance."

"okay."

Since she had agreed, she had to make proper arrangements in Beijing. Chen Lanxiang asked Zhou Baige when she returned.

"White Dove, are you able to go to Hong Kong with your current status?"

"Mother, I can't go, what's wrong?" Zhou Baige asked with a smile.

"Oh, it's because your older brother told us to go back to Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year this year."

“Then you all go back. Yu Yan and I will go stay with my parents,” Zhou Baige said.

“But I can’t bear to part with Yangyang,” Chen Lanxiang said.

"Mom, I'll be back after the New Year, and I'll need your help to take care of me."

"Well, okay then. Do you need us to hire a nanny? We might have to leave early."

“No need, my mom can take care of it too,” Zhou Baige said.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, my dear mother-in-law."

“It’s okay, my mom likes Yangyang very much too,” Zhou Baige said.

As for Lao Fang and Lao Zhao, He Yuxin didn't dare to go at all. He didn't want to get humiliated and have people change locations for no reason.

In the end, He Yuzhu personally called Beijing.

He called Lao Fang first.

"Uncle Fang, this year during the Spring Festival, I'd like to invite you and Uncle Zhao's families to stay in Huacheng or the Special Economic Zone for a while, just to escape the cold, it's warmer there."

On the other end of the phone, Old Fang said, "Zhu Zi, I'm perfectly fine staying in Beijing, why would I go south?"

He Yuzhu laughed and said, "I just think it's good that you and Uncle Zhao have always been in Beijing. You should come out and see the changes in the South."

"I went there a few years ago, what changes have occurred? Can it be as fast as the changes in Beijing?"

"It has really changed more than Beijing."

"I'm not going then."

"I have a feeling you're hiding something. Tell me, what is it?"

"It's nothing, what could possibly happen to me? I was just thinking that Guangzhou and the Special Administrative Region are close to Hong Kong, so maybe I can go back and see you all."

"Give me a break. Just stay put and see how things go after the New Year."

"Ok."

After hanging up, He Yuzhu called Lao Zhao again and received almost the same reply.

Old Zhao also said that it would be too much trouble to bring his family along, so he wouldn't go, and similarly inquired tactfully if there was any situation.

He Yuzhu knew he couldn't persuade him otherwise, so he stopped insisting.

After hanging up the phone, the two old men both started to have doubts.

They know He Yuzhu too well.

The next day, Lao Fang strolled from the front yard to the middle yard and bumped into the two old men at the moon gate.

"Let's go to your place," Old Zhao said first.

"Okay, come to my place, no one's there."

When they arrived at Lao Fang's house, the two old men sat down and lit cigarettes at the same time, puffing away.

"Old Zhao, Zhu Zi called you yesterday, right?" Old Fang spoke first.

"They called and offered to let me go south for the New Year, but I didn't agree. Do you also think there's something going on here?"

“Something’s definitely up,” Old Fang said with certainty. “This kid has probably caught wind of something.”

Old Zhao frowned: "What could it be? The situation is pretty good right now, all calm and peaceful."

"Calm down?" Old Fang shook his head. "Didn't you read the documents from above carefully? Some of the wording has changed. Besides, the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Zhu Zi's business is so large, and he has a wide range of contacts; he probably knows some things that we don't."

"Then what do you mean?"

“I’ll go back and find Lao Fan and ask him to keep an eye on the wind direction up there and what’s going on outside,” Lao Fang said thoughtfully. “That kid Zhu Zi is very shrewd. He must have his reasons for doing this. Even if we don’t go south, we still need to find out why.”

“Okay, you go ask around. I’ll also ask around, otherwise I won’t feel confident.” Old Zhao agreed.

The two chatted for a few more minutes before going about their own business.

Old Fang called and invited Old Fan to his home.

"Old Fan, I need your help with something."

"Old leader, what are you saying? Don't talk about helping or not. Just give me your orders and I'll definitely do it without hesitation if I can."

"You're speaking in such an official tone."

"Hehe, how about it? Does it look like the real deal?" Old Fan laughed.

"Stop with the formalities, let's get down to business. Zhu Zi recently invited me to spend the Lunar New Year in Guangzhou. Even his parents are going back to Hong Kong for the New Year this year, and he also invited Old Zhao's whole family. I have a feeling something's not right. Have you heard anything about this?"

Old Fan was taken aback. Isn't it normal to celebrate the New Year? Old Fang has been spending the New Year with Zhu Zi's family for the past few years. How can you connect this to the big picture? Isn't that too sensitive?

"Old Fang, aren't you overthinking it? Maybe Zhu Zi just wants a convenient opportunity to visit you guys?"

Do you think he's that kind of person?

"this."

"Think about it carefully and tell me, I'll listen."

"In terms of the overall direction, there haven't been any major changes so far. However, there are indeed some differing opinions on the economic front, with considerable debate about prices and growth rates. In addition, internationally, technological blockades and frictions in certain areas have recently shown a trend of intensification. Zhu Zi's business covers a wide range of areas, especially high-tech and sensitive fields, so he may feel more pressure and it may be more direct than ours."

"That's all? What does that prove?"

"Think about it again."

"I can't think of anything."

"impossible."

"Yes, there are some, but I'm not sure."

"explain."

"As more people came from the West, more people also fled westward. Does that count?"

Old Fang tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his expression growing serious: "You mean, the pillar might be guarding against some kind of uncertain risk? Or even one with a wide-ranging impact?"

“We can’t rule out that possibility.” Old Fan nodded. “At his level, he’s always much more accurate and earlier than we are in our predictions. His actions are more like a precautionary measure. Sending you to the south is both a protection measure and a way to keep you away from the possible center of the storm. After all, it’s obvious that you have a close relationship with him.”

Old Fang fell silent for a long while before letting out a breath of stale air: "This kid, can't he just explain things clearly? He's just making us guess."

“If he could talk, he probably would have already. Don’t you know his personality?” Old Fan sighed. “Otherwise, you two could go down south. If something really happens, it will save him from being distracted.”

Old Fang shook his head: "We can't rush things now. He hasn't said anything definitively yet. Let's see how things go. Old Fan, keep an eye on things over there. If you make any new discoveries, let us know immediately."

"Understood," Old Fan replied.

After Lao Fan returned, he immediately mobilized his entire department, especially those who had caused trouble before. They were all sent to the northwest frontier. "You guys are idle, aren't you? Then go find the problems you need to find."

Back in Beijing, the news that He Yaozong had applied for a leave of absence from school caused quite a stir in his class and social circle.

"Yaozong, are you really going to drop out of school? It's almost the end of the semester!" his roommate asked, puzzled.

"Something came up at home, and I need to go back and help out," He Yaozong said, tidying up his desk.

(End of this chapter)