Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 392 Preparing for Transformation
Soon, Bai Yifeng reported the results of the investigation to He Yuzhu.

"Boss, it's all taken care of. The island has been cleaned up, leaving no trace."

He Yuzhu stood by the window of the study, gazing at the sea view outside, and simply gave a faint "hmm".

"In addition, while we were sorting through their belongings, we found some clues pointing to several active organizations and media outlets overseas. The information has been compiled."

"Save it, we don't need it now." He Yuzhu turned around. "Old Fang has already called a halt."

"Understood, what's next?"

"Keep it up, but shift the focus back to business and technology intelligence."

"Yes."

As July arrives, Hong Kong's summer is hot and humid.

He Yaozu and Le Huizhen's relationship is developing steadily. The two often eat and watch movies together, and sometimes He Ningxue will join them. The atmosphere is always very harmonious.

As filming for the first installment of Ho Yiu-chung's "King of Thieves" neared its end, he had lost a lot of weight, but his eyes were full of excitement.

While things have calmed down domestically, they haven't stopped abroad. The West's technological blockade and media suppression of China are showing a clear trend of tightening.

Chen Sheng sent news back from North America that the core technology licenses related to the World Wide Web had been successfully obtained, and the corresponding hardware and software development had already begun.

Realizing that the internet age was fast approaching, He Yuzhu felt it was necessary to set up a 'root server' in China to see how it would perform.

So the matter was handed over to Xu Damao. Xu Damao asked for a long time on the phone but still only had a vague understanding. However, he did understand about finding someone to approve the land and building the server room.

Xu Damao replied within a few days.

With the Yellow River Group's current influence and the seemingly high-end "root server" project, the Special Economic Zone quickly approved a prime piece of land, and the construction of related supporting facilities was also put on the agenda.

He Yuzhu immediately realized that Xu Damao had misunderstood, but every mistake has its advantage. Since the approval had been given, let's build it.

He Yuxin decided to build a technology building on the land, with enough space in the basement for a server room. Xu Damao said he would first have someone draw up the plans and then let He Yuzhu finalize them.

"Okay, let's leave that aside for now. Da Mao has something else to ask. Could you spare some of the R&D staff from the program-controlled switch department?" He Yuzhu asked.

“Sure, now apart from the specialists who tackled the tens of thousands or millions of problems, the rest of the staff are just doing daily iterations.”

“Alright, set aside a portion of the staff, including core R&D personnel, to form a new network equipment R&D department to develop network routers and network switches,” He Yuzhu said.

"Oh, you're just going to start developing it like this?"

"Don't worry, we have the data and samples for you," He Yuzhu said.

"That's good. I thought we were going to develop it based on a concept."

“How could that be? This technology is almost ready for adoption outside. Your task is to move to the next stage,” He Yuzhu said.

"Alright, I don't really know much about it anyway, so we can just let the professional technicians handle it."

"Okay, that's settled for now."

He Yuzhu spent some time compiling a list of materials from his European trip, then copied the materials by category, and began assigning tasks to his subordinates.

"Xingyao, the steel mill is preparing to receive a batch of new special steel smelting process data. You will personally lead the team there and organize the best technical personnel to digest it. Remember, be fast, but also steady. Mastering the core technology is our primary goal."

"Understood, boss. We will definitely produce results as soon as possible."

"Yuanheng, I have some technical data related to aircraft, mainly avionics and engines. I will have someone send it to you. You should organize your core team to conduct reverse engineering and absorb the data. Be careful to keep it confidential, and all participants should sign the highest level of confidentiality agreement."

"Okay, boss."

Hong Kong isn't suitable for large agricultural machinery, as there's not much farming there anyway. He called He Yuxin: "Yuxin, find a reputable agricultural machinery manufacturer in the mainland to discuss cooperation, or contact Zhao Xingbang directly to see if we can invest in building a modern agricultural machinery manufacturing plant in eastern Hebei. I have a batch of blueprints and technical documents here, and I'll have someone take them to you."

"Agricultural machinery? Bro, what made you decide to get into this?"

"I got it by chance, so don't ask about it."

“Okay, I’ll go ask in a bit. I reckon that kid Zhao Xingbang definitely won’t let this opportunity pass. He’s been trying to talk to us about new investments for a while now.”

"The infrastructure over there is too weak. This project is quite large, and they're unlikely to be able to get it started. You should talk to them first."

"it is good."

Finally, and most troublesome, were the industrial machine tools and tunnel boring machines. He Yuzhu couldn't find a suitable place to handle them for the time being. It seemed that apart from very large enterprises, there was nowhere in China that could take them on, and those enterprises seemed to have no other cooperation path besides selling them to them.

Ho Yiu-chung's first installment of "The King of Thieves" hit Hong Kong cinemas during the summer season. With its tight plot, explosive action sequences, and subtle touches on social issues, the film performed well at the box office and received positive feedback in both the local and Southeast Asian markets. Most critics praised the new director's control of the film, particularly commending its ability to create tension.

With his initial victory boosting his confidence, Ho Yiu-chung immediately began preparing for the second installment of the series.

He locked himself in the Yellow River Culture office again, scrutinizing the storyboard and cast list repeatedly.

This time, he plans to further artistically process the true experiences of his elder brother He Yaozu, focusing on the psychological battle between the protagonist and the ruthless bandits.

"The conflict in the second film needs to be more internal; it can't just rely on gunfights and explosions," Ho Yiu-chung emphasized to the creative team at a project discussion meeting. "I want to see people's choices and transformations under extreme pressure."

He Yuxin's negotiations with Zhao Xingbang regarding a large-scale agricultural machinery manufacturing project ultimately failed.

Just as He Yuzhu had predicted, although there was great enthusiasm in eastern Hebei, the supporting industrial base was indeed weak and it would be difficult to support such a large-scale and technology-intensive project in a short period of time.

“Go find large agricultural machinery manufacturers and ask them if they want our technology. This time we’re selling our technology; we won’t talk about joint ventures or anything like that.”

"I think that's how it should be."

"Why didn't you mention it before?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"Isn't this because I'm worried you might have other plans?"

"From now on, just say what you think, so as to avoid taking detours. I can't think of so many problems on my own."

"Okay, I know."

One evening after dinner at the He family's hillside residence, Chen Lanxiang put down her chopsticks, glanced at her eldest grandson He Yaozu who was slowly drinking soup, and then gave her daughter-in-law Xiaoman a wink.

Xiaoman understood, coughed lightly, and said with a smile, "Yaozu, how are things going with Huizhen lately? I see you two going out often, your relationship seems quite stable."

He Yaozu looked up, a little embarrassed, and said, "It's fine, Mom."

Chen Lanxiang immediately chimed in, "That's good! I think Huizhen is a nice girl. She's good-looking, has a respectable job, and is very poised and confident. You're both getting on in years, and if your relationship is stable, you should consider taking the next step."

"Grandma, we've only known each other for a short time," He Yaozu tried to change the subject.

"Not long?" Chen Lanxiang raised her voice slightly. "Back when your grandfather and I met, we got engaged after just one meeting! How many movies have you two seen together, how many meals have you had? That's enough. While your grandfather and I are still healthy, and can still watch you settle down and start a family."

Xiaoman gently advised, "Your grandma is right. If you think it's appropriate, find a time to formally invite Huizhen over for a meal, so that our elders can meet more often and have a good chat."

Seeing the earnest looks from his mother and grandmother, He Yaozu knew he couldn't avoid it, so he could only nod and say, "I understand. I'll ask her when she'll be free."

A few days later, Ho Yiu-cho invited Lok Wai-chun to his home as a guest.

For this meeting, Xiaoman specially instructed the kitchen to prepare a table of exquisite Cantonese dishes.

Le Huizhen appeared slightly nervous when she arrived, wearing a well-fitting dress and carrying nutritional supplements for He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang.

Chen Lanxiang took Le Huizhen's hand, looked her up and down, and smiled broadly: "You've come all this way, why did you bring anything? Sit down and have a cup of tea."

"Thank you grandma!"

During the meal, Chen Lanxiang and Xiaoman kept serving food to Le Huizhen and asking about her work, family situation, and so on.

Seeing that Yue Huizhen handled things with ease, He Yaozu gradually relaxed, occasionally interjecting a few words with a gentle smile in his eyes.

He Yuzhu returned after dinner; he had something to do that day.

When He Yuzhu returned, everyone was chatting in the living room.

He entered the living room, and Le Huizhen immediately stood up, looking somewhat nervous.

"Uncle, hello, I am Le Huizhen," she greeted respectfully.

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "Please sit down, don't be shy."

Le Huizhen quietly observed this legendary business figure.

He was even more imposing than in the newspaper photos, his eyes sharp yet without any sharpness, and his every move exuded the composure of someone who had long held a high position.

While washing up and changing into her pajamas, Le Huizhen quietly asked He Yaozu, "I'd like to interview Uncle, is that alright?" He Yaozu raised an eyebrow, showing a helpless expression: "I can't help you with that. My dad rarely gives interviews, let alone exclusive interviews."

"Oh, what a pity! This is a business legend of Hong Kong!"

"Then why don't you interview the son of a legend?" He Yaozu joked.

"What's so interesting about you that I don't know about you?"

"That's not necessarily the case."

"Fine, so you've been hiding something from me. Humph, just wait and see how I deal with you." Le Huizhen glared at him.

Seeing the two of them acting like this, Chen Lanxiang and Xiaoman exchanged a glance and smiled. They seemed to have a good relationship!

After He Yuzhu came down, Le Huizhen mustered up her courage and said, "Uncle, I am a reporter from the Hong Kong Island Daily. Would it be convenient for you to grant me an interview?"

The living room immediately fell silent.

He Yaozu was taken aback for a moment and then looked at his father, while He Ningxue secretly gave Le Huizhen a thumbs up.

He Yuzhu smiled and said, "I don't accept media interviews in principle. I wonder what Reporter Le wants to interview me about?"

"I'd like to know how you built your business empire."

"Hahaha, this is a trade secret!" He Yuzhu laughed.

"Then, I'd like to ask about the future development of the Yellow River Group?"

"This one too!"

Le Huizhen's head drooped; she was utterly defeated.

"Zhu Zi, can't you talk to that young girl properly? Is this how an elder should act?" Chen Lanxiang said.

“Mother, the question she asked is indeed a trade secret, but of course, if she personally wants to hear me tell her a story, then there’s no problem.”

"Dad, tell me, tell me! I want to hear it too!" He Ningxue spoke up at this moment, as such opportunities were rare.

“We’d like to hear it too,” the brothers Ho Yiu-cho and Ho Yiu-chung chimed in.

"Then, shall I tell you? Of course, this can't be published in the newspaper, Reporter Le!" He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"Yes, yes, I wouldn't dare. I still want to continue being a journalist!" Le Huizhen nodded repeatedly. She was already glad to hear a story of a business legend, even if she couldn't write it down and publish it.

He Yuzhu smiled as he looked at the expectant eyes of his family members and began to recount those long-forgotten stories.

He began by recounting how he first came to Hong Kong on a business trip, met Mr. Fok by chance, and how he took over his first shop, how he opened a gold shop and a restaurant, and how he established a refrigerator factory.

Then, after the family came over, he casually mentioned how they started building a car factory and getting involved in the port, and the dangers involved were all mentioned in a lighthearted way, such as "encountering some minor troubles", "being a little short of funds at the time", and "talking with some people". Others may not be serious, but Xiaoman knows the thrilling things behind it.

Instead of sitting next to He Yuzhu, she took his hand and looked at him with admiration, completely ignoring the hopeful gazes of her son, daughter, and future daughter-in-law.

He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang listened intently. They knew that their son had worked hard outside and had built a large business, but they had never understood the dramatic and complex story behind it in such detail.

"So, often, opportunities are hidden within risks. The key is whether you dare to seize them, and whether you can hold onto them." He Yuzhu concluded his story with a simple summary, then picked up his teacup and took a sip.

After a moment of silence in the living room, He Ningxue was the first to clap her hands: "Dad, you're amazing!"

Le Huizhen was deeply moved. Although she couldn't write a report about it, the experience itself was an extremely valuable insight for her.

She said sincerely, "Uncle, your experience is a legend in itself. Thank you for sharing. I wonder if you will ever publish an autobiography."

“I haven’t thought about that yet. How about my grandson writes one for me?” He Yuzhu said, winking at Le Huizhen.

Le Huizhen blushed immediately; the implication was too obvious.

Xiaoman wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by. "Huizhen, would you like to marry our Yaozu?"

"Mmm!" Le Huizhen's voice was barely audible.

“Mommy, she agreed, I heard it,” He Ningxue shouted.

"You silly girl, always so easily startled, can't you act like a girl?"

"How am I not like that? I'm young, beautiful, lively, and cute. Who doesn't like me? My dad is always here!" He Ningxue raised her head and struck a pose.

"Yes, yes, you'd better bring your boyfriend home next time."

"Dad, you're not very likable when you chat like this!" He Ningxue pouted.

"Hahahaha." The whole family burst into laughter.

Le Huizhen laughed so hard she was shaking. She had never seen He Ningxue lose her temper before; with her mouth alone, no one could rival her.

After chatting for a while, He Yaozu left the He residence with Le Huizhen amidst a chorus of admonitions.

When they arrived at Le Huizhen's apartment building, Le Huizhen did not get out of the car immediately. She leaned back in her seat, turned her head to look at He Yaozu, and her eyes appeared particularly bright in the dim light.

“Yaozu,” she said softly, “I’m wondering, if I—and I mean if—marry into your family in the future, is it possible for me to achieve something like my uncle did?” Her tone was filled with longing.

He Yaozu turned his head and looked at her seriously.

He didn't answer immediately, but instead reached out and gently took her hand.

“My dad often tells me that opportunities are fair to everyone; the key is vision and courage. Whatever you want to do, your family will support you. Don’t try to copy someone else’s path; find what you want to do and then go all out. As long as you want it and as long as you dare to do it, of course you can do it.”

As Le Huizhen felt the warmth from his palm, her initial unease was gradually replaced by a sense of reassurance.

She took his hand in return, a smile curving her lips: "It sounds like I've found myself a pretty good support."

“Not a backer,” He Yaozu corrected her, a smile in his eyes, “but someone in the same industry.”

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Le Huizhen unbuckled her seatbelt: "I'm going up."

"Well, go to bed early."

She got out of the car, stood by the roadside and waved to him, watching his car slowly drive away and disappear into the night before turning and walking into the apartment building.

The night breeze was slightly cool, but her heart was warm. It seemed that this in-laws were quite nice. She had seen wealthy families before, but the He family was different.

As things became clearer in mainland China, news from HJ (Huanghe Group) arrived, and He Yuzhu keenly realized that a new development cycle was about to begin, and the Yellow River Group's domestic layout also needed to be adjusted accordingly.

Xu Damao and He Yuxin were called back to Hong Kong by He Yuzhu.

“Yuxin, Damao, a new phase is about to begin in China. Our industries also need to be upgraded.”

"Brother, how do we change it?" He Yuxin asked.

"I have decided to gradually give up some of my businesses."

"Give up? Brother, what do you mean?" He Yuxin was a little confused, as those factories were doing quite well.

"Refrigerators, color TVs, motorcycles, and feed mills," He Yuzhu pointed out a few names. "In these areas, competition will become increasingly fierce, and profit margins will gradually be thinned. For us, it's not worthwhile to continue investing our energy in them."

Xu Damao reacted quickly: "Brother, you mean sell it?"

“Yes,” He Yuzhu affirmed. “If the joint venture partners are capable, let them buy. For those wholly owned subsidiaries, we also need to find suitable acquirers, which could be local state-owned assets or other capable private enterprises. There are two options: either sell the entire company outright, or we contribute our technology and equipment as equity, hand over the management rights, and retain only a portion of the equity and the right to dividends. Da Mao, you are mainly responsible for negotiating this matter.”

“I understand, brother. Let’s get rid of these burdens and concentrate our resources on more core areas. I’ll get on it as soon as I get back,” Xu Damao said.

"Okay." He Yuzhu responded, then turned to He Yuxin and said, "Yuxin, you have an even more important task. Immediately register a new company in the mainland under the group's name, and call it 'Yellow River Heavy Industry'."

"Yellow River Heavy Industry?" He Yuxin repeated, feeling a sense of weight just from the name.

“That’s right.” He Yuzhu walked to the huge map on the wall and pointed to the central area. “The factory site will be located in the Jianghan Plain. It has a superior geographical location, convenient water and land transportation, and a good industrial base, making it very suitable for the manufacturing and transportation of large equipment.”

"Then are we still open to discussing our large agricultural machinery?"

“Talking is a different matter.”

"Oh, brother, please continue!"

(End of this chapter)