Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 394 It's hard to get anything practical done.
The matter with Yellow River Heavy Industry did not go as smoothly as expected. The other party offered several plots of land, but He Yuxin was not very satisfied with any of them. He even consulted construction experts from Yellow River Group for an evaluation, and the result was naturally not good.

So He Yuxin returned to Hong Kong with a thick report.

"Brother, the preliminary research report on the Jianghan Plain is out." He placed the report on his desk and pointed to the part circled in red pen. "Based on historical hydrological data and climate model analysis, the risk of large-scale floods in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is still very high. The site they chose for our heavy industry base is right on the edge of the flood discharge area. If something happens, the losses will be unimaginable."

He Yuzhu picked up the report, his eyes quickly scanning the data and charts, his brows gradually furrowing.

His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, and fragments of memories about that land from another time and space surfaced in his mind.

After a moment of silence, he raised his head, his eyes now resolute.

"The project has been suspended, and the site selection in the Jianghan Plain has been abandoned."

He Yuxin nodded and said, "That's what I meant too. But, brother, it's easy for us to talk, but we've almost finished negotiating with the local authorities over there, and there's bound to be some problems there."

"If there's a problem, solve it. Isn't that what you're supposed to do?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"What I'm asking is, what do we still have on hand? I feel like we won't be able to get anything done in the end, and I guess we won't even have anything to discuss when we go there to talk about projects in the future."

“Heavy industry means steel mills and rolling mills, while light industry can include anything except communications,” He Yuzhu said.

"I see."

"Alright, go back now that you know. Waiting for them to approve it will be another hassle. Why didn't you do this sooner?" He Yuzhu said.

"Well, we found that none of the locations provided were suitable, so I had someone take a look."

"Since things have come to this, let's try our best to resolve it," He Yuzhu said.

"That heavy industry project?"

“Didn’t Guangdong Province already talk to you? Then let’s go with Guangdong Province. But we need to choose a place with convenient transportation. Don’t let us end up in some remote mountain valley where the roads are impassable. Why would we have to spend more money to repair the roads?” He Yuzhu said.

"I think they have that intention."

“Then you should go to eastern Hebei to negotiate, go to the Northeast to find places; there are plenty of places willing to cooperate,” He Yuzhu said.

"I see."

“You need to let them know that we don’t necessarily have to vote for them; they’ll line up for us anywhere else,” He Yuzhu said.

"Understood, I'll go back today."

"Let's have dinner tonight and leave tomorrow. It won't make a difference if we stay another half day," He Yuzhu said.

"it is good."

After He Yuxin returned, he went directly to Jianghan and told them that the project had changed and become a modern steel plant and supporting rolling mill. Jianghan was not dissatisfied at all; on the contrary, they were even happier, since there was no shortage of steel anywhere in the country now.

He Yuxin could only say that they were too short-sighted.

As for the heavy industry project, He Yuxin had other plans in mind.

Instead of turning back to Guangdong Province, he went directly north and found Zhao Xingbang in eastern Hebei again.

“Xingbang, the agricultural machinery project didn’t work out last time, but this time I’ve brought you something even bigger.” He Yuxin got straight to the point. “Yellow River Heavy Industry, with its headquarters and core manufacturing base, has an investment scale that the agricultural machinery project can’t compare to.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xingbang's eyes lit up: "Yuxin, are you serious? You can't stand me up again this time!"

"This time it's like starting from scratch, it doesn't matter where we go, but location is crucial. Transportation must be convenient, and it needs a deep-water port. I remember my brother mentioned the development of Caofeidian when Uncle Zhao was around."

"Caofeidian? How much are you planning to invest in the Yellow River this time? You should know that there's no road access over there yet."

"Go and ask around first. If we can't get the port project, then I'll have to find another place for this project."

"No, you're staying in Jidong for the next few days. You're not allowed to go anywhere. I'll go apply for it right now."

As he walked out, he called to his secretary at the door, "Xiao Liu, keep a close eye on him, no, make sure he's well taken care of, don't leave his side for a second."

"Yes."

“Xingbang, that’s not fair of you. I’m rushing back to the north without even going home. Can’t I at least go home once?”

Zhao Xingbang turned back and nodded, saying, "Yes, it's time to go home and see Uncle He and Aunt He, as well as your wife and children. I've been too busy to go back and see my parents, so I'll have Xiao Liu go back with you. I'll also bring some things home for the family."

"Isn't it?"

"It's settled then. You'll come with me to buy things, and Xiao Liu will drive you home."

Xiao Liu held back her laughter, it was really hard for her to suppress it.

"You've forgotten everything I've been talking about. Here's the stuff." Zhao Xingbang reached out his hand.

"what?"

"You don't even have a business plan, how am I supposed to negotiate?"

"Alright, here you go."

"That's a true brother." Zhao Xingbang took the plan, flipped through it a few times, and grinned from ear to ear, then playfully punched He Yuxin.

The factory was simply too large, and with the port added to the mix, he felt that Jidong could take off.

He Yuxin was "escorted" back to Beijing by Zhao Xingbang's secretary. As expected, Xiao Liu stayed by his side without leaving for a moment, even following him home to visit his parents.

He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang were naturally happy to see their fourth brother return, but they couldn't help but wonder when they saw an unfamiliar young man following behind him.

"Yuxin, who is this?" He Daqing asked.

"Dad, Mom, this is Xingbang's secretary, Xiao Liu. He gave me a ride home." He Yuxin explained helplessly.

Xiao Liu, quick-witted, immediately presented the gift that Zhao Xingbang had asked him to deliver: "Uncle He, Aunt He, this is a small token of our Director Zhao's appreciation. He's busy with work, so he asked me to give his regards to you both."

Chen Lanxiang smiled and accepted the gift: "Xingbang is just being polite. Please come inside and sit down."

He Yuxin stayed at home for less than half a day before Lao Zhao strolled over.

"Yuxin is back?"

"Hello, Uncle Zhao!"

"Great! I heard you're planning something big in eastern Hebei?" Old Zhao asked bluntly.

"Xingbang told you everything?"

"Well, otherwise why do you think I came here?"

"So what do you mean?"

"Come on, tell me what you guys were thinking. Was it your brother's idea?"

"It was my own idea; my brother will make the final decision when it's time to decide."

"Then tell me first, young people these days are something else."

Knowing he couldn't avoid it, He Yuxin gave a brief overview of the project, including the port project.

"Caofeidian isn't something that can be built with a small amount of money. Are you sure your brother will agree to this?"

"I haven't spoken to him yet, but if the cooperation plan is sound, he should agree."

"So you're saying that without ports, there's no heavy industry, right?"

"Yes, we originally wanted to build it in the Jianghan Plain, but there are quite a few hidden dangers there. We have too many projects in Guangdong Province, and I'm worried about the future."

"You don't need to tell me this, I understand. Let's just talk about eastern Hebei." Then Old Zhao started rambling on about how difficult things had been for eastern Hebei, and how things had been in the past ten years or so since the disaster.

He Yuxin felt a headache coming on. "Uncle Zhao, there's no use telling me this. Where in the country doesn't need development? Jidong has been rebuilt much better than many other places."

Old Zhao was taken aback by He Yuxin's words and was about to glare at her when Old Fang's leisurely voice came from the doorway: "Hey Old Zhao, why are you blocking that kid's way? Yuxin is here to visit relatives, not to listen to your report."

The group looked towards the door and saw Old Fang stroll in with his hands behind his back.

Old Zhao said irritably, "I was just trying to help analyze the situation!"

“Analysis? I’ve been listening to this for ages. You’re not analyzing anything, you’re just complaining.” Old Fang sat down on the other side of the octagonal table with an air of nonchalance.

“Old Fang, you should know the situation in eastern Hebei. You’ve been there many times.”

Old Fang smiled at He Yuxin, then turned to Old Zhao and said, "Of course I've been there, but business is business. The He family's money didn't grow on trees. Haven't they filled up a lot of holes in their coffers? Think about 1976."

"Oh, this!"

He Yuxin quickly poured Old Fang a cup of tea: "Uncle Fang, please have some tea."

"Uncle Zhao, have some tea too, let's chat slowly." Old Zhao picked up the tea that He Yuxin had just poured for him and took a sip.

He spoke again: "Yuxin, your Uncle Zhao was too hasty. Your Uncle Fang is right, I was inconsiderate."

“You’re not only inconsiderate, you’re also short-sighted,” Old Fang said.

"You old man, you've only lost a few games of chess, is it really that big of a deal?"

“I’m not that petty. I’m telling you, your vision is short-sighted. I’ve already asked Xiao Liu about this project. It’s a national strategic asset, you know? What does it mean to be a national strategic asset? A port is nothing. If you want to get this done, then help Zhu Zi and Yu Xin negotiate the deal with Caofeidian.”

"It's not that easy, Lao Fang."

"So, if you can't reach an agreement, don't force people to keep the project in Jidong. The reason Yuxin went to Xingbang was because of the relationship between your two families, but that doesn't mean he's willing to compromise for that relationship. If he did, I doubt Zhuzi would let him off the hook."

“Uncle Fang really understands my brother,” He Yuxin said with a smile.

"The pillar can't be like that."

"Hmph, no way. Zhu Zi doesn't owe you, Old Zhao. On the contrary, you, Old Zhao, owe them. Zhu Zi doesn't owe this country anything. On the contrary, we've let them down."

He Yuxin didn't understand and was about to ask when Lao Fang raised his hand to interrupt him, saying, "If your brother didn't tell you, you don't need to ask. Even if you ask, we won't tell you."

"Oh!"

"Old Fang, it's me."

"What do you mean, 'you'? You've withdrawn. Don't impose your feelings for Jidong on the He family."

"Okay, I'll swallow my pride and go find those old comrades-in-arms to try and negotiate the deal with Caofeidian. I'll also talk to Xingbang about it. But Yuxin, can you give your uncle some time?"

"Sure, but it shouldn't be too long. Although my brother didn't say it, you know the situation outside. The sooner it's implemented, the sooner we can get rid of their control."

"Okay, give me half a month. If we can't reach an agreement, I'll go with you to negotiate. I still have some comrades and friends in various places."

"no problem."

"That's right. I'll also help you out. If the two of us old folks can't handle it, then forget about it."

"Even if you don't tell me, I still have to ask you for help. Do you think you can get away with this?" Old Zhao said irritably. He had just been humiliated by Old Fang, and he decided that he wouldn't let the old man win in the next game of chess.

After Lao Fang and Lao Zhao left, He Yuxin called He Yuzhu. Things had gotten this bad, and he dared not keep it a secret any longer, or he would definitely get a beating.

He Yuzhu told him over the phone that the two old men meant that if they couldn't handle it, then they really couldn't handle it, and they should go talk to the next one.

If they could really reach an agreement, they would definitely get a very good policy. He Yuzhu's tone did not contain any blame for his younger brother.

After hanging up the phone, He Yuxin felt much more at ease.

With his older brother's help, he could talk more freely.

For the next two weeks, He Yuxin stayed in Beijing, but he didn't sit idle. He had his team work overtime to produce a more detailed investment feasibility report and project planning scheme based on the conditions of Caofeidian.

Old Zhao and Old Fang really put in a lot of effort this time.

Old Zhao used many of his old connections, making so many phone calls that his voice became hoarse, repeatedly emphasizing the strategic significance of this project for national development and industrial upgrading.

Lao Fang, on the other hand, helped with communication and coordination at a higher level, using his influence to smooth out key processes.

Zhao Xingbang was stationed in the relevant departments to keep track of progress and relay information.

Of course, they did this with a deeper meaning, which is to show that they want to cooperate with Jidong.

Persistence pays off. With the full support of the two senior colleagues and the active efforts of Zhao Xingbang, things finally started to look promising.

The authorities approved the development plan for the Caofeidian Port Area and expressed an open attitude towards the Yellow River Group's participation in investment and construction.

The formal negotiations took place in a conference hall at a government-run guesthouse in Beijing.

He Yuxin represented the Yellow River Group, and opposite him was a joint working group from Jidong and the province. Lao Zhao and Lao Fang did not attend the meeting, after all, they had retired.

The negotiation process was not easy, with both sides repeatedly tug-of-war over issues such as equity ratio, investment amount, responsibility for infrastructure construction, and policy support.

He Yuxin did his homework beforehand, scrutinizing the terms meticulously, ensuring both the group's interests and the local situation and affordability.

“We can undertake the main part of the investment in port infrastructure, but the supporting port access roads and railway lines need to be coordinated and resolved by the local government. This is a prerequisite for the project to operate,” He Yuxin said, pointing to the planning map.

“We can include this in the province’s key project plan, but in terms of funding, we hope that the Yellow River can provide some interest-free loans or extend the investment recovery period,” the local representative responded.

"Tax and land policies must offer the most favorable terms; otherwise, with such a large-scale investment and a long payback period, it will be difficult for the group's board of directors to approve it."

"We can strive for preferential policies, but they must comply with national regulations. We can promise to provide maximum support within the scope permitted by laws and policies."

After several rounds of arduous negotiations, the final framework of the agreement was as follows: The Yellow River Group, in conjunction with Jidong, will establish the "Caofeidian Port Development Company," with the Yellow River Group holding a 70% stake and Jidong contributing land and some policy resources for a 30% stake. The port's operating rights are initially set for thirty years. Related supporting infrastructure will be jointly promoted by both parties, with specific plans to be formulated separately. Simultaneously, the provincial government has pledged to prioritize the project and provide a series of preferential policies.

When the draft agreement was sent to Hong Kong, He Yuzhu carefully reviewed it and replied with only one sentence: "It can be signed, and implemented as soon as possible."

After the matter in Caofeidian came to an end, He Yuxin was summoned by Zhou Baige's father.

When they met, Zhou's father's face was frighteningly dark, and his eyes were like knives. He actually found out about such a big thing from someone else. If He Yuxin hadn't been so busy lately, he would have had a good talk with her long ago.

"Uncle Zhou!"

"You still remember that you have an uncle like me? I'm not even as good as those two old guys, Lao Zhao and Lao Fang. You think I can't help you get this project done?"

"No, no, I didn't mean that!" He Yuxin quickly replied.

"Then what do you mean?"

"Well... I thought this matter could be handled locally, but I didn't expect it to involve so much."

"Nonsense, your proposal is already at the top of the list. You two are really daring."

"Nothing will happen."

"Having nothing only proves our incompetence. Your elder brother is the truly capable one. We who sit in this position are ashamed!"

"Hehe, it's not that exaggerated!" He Yuxin chuckled.

"Yeah, it's that exaggerated. We really can't buy it. Forget about the technology, we can't even buy the finished product."

"Then, Uncle Zhou, about this project..."

“We will support you, not only at the local level, but also at our ministry. If anyone dares to cause trouble, tell me and I will go and talk to them.”

"I feel more at ease knowing that you've said that."

"Go ahead and do it with confidence. Jidong will fully cooperate."

"it is good."

"Alright, go prepare to discuss the contract. But remember, next time you have a project like this, let me know first. Do you think I'd try to scam you?"

"I would. To cheat us? No, no!"

"Get lost, just looking at you makes me angry. If it were Yu Yan, I would have given him a good beating."

"gone."

After coming out, He Yuxin wiped the sweat from her forehead.

That same night, after signing the contract with the heavy industry company, He Yuxin called He Yuzhu from the Jidong Guesthouse, his voice still hoarse from the negotiations: "Brother, the contract is signed. We will own 80% of the shares in Yellow River Heavy Industry, and the management rights will belong to us. We will be exempt from taxes for ten years, and the local tax will be halved after ten years."

On the other end of the phone, He Yuzhu laughed and said, "You actually managed to reach this agreement?"

"I didn't expect that either. There must be a compensation factor involved. After all, the benefits of building roads and ports on the eastern border of Hebei are enormous."

"Yes, that should be part of the reason, but it's a good thing. If it weren't for the policy, I think we could have gotten 100% equity. You should talk to Jidong again and we'll buy it to avoid any trouble from them later."

"The land was granted to us, why do we still have to pay?"

"It doesn't matter if you spend some money, but you need to complete all the formalities. Don't forget that the leadership in Jidong is not static."

"understood!"

He Yuxin acted swiftly, not only buying the land for the factory, but also acquiring plots of land around the port, some for industrial use and others for residential purposes.

In the days that followed, He Yuxin was stationed in eastern Hebei, leading his team to survey and select sites, plan factory areas, and build a team, keeping him extremely busy.

The Yellow River Heavy Industry project was listed as a key project in Hebei Province and progressed rapidly. The real estate that was originally under his management was directly given to He Ningxue, and the sales of the electrical appliance store and computer were also handed over to Li Chengru. As for the microelectronics research institute, He Yuxin retained the supervisory authority. The steel plant project in the Jianghan Plain was also transferred from Xiangjiang Steel Plant. As for the Guangdong Province project, it was put on hold for the time being. The main plant was not yet completed, so there was no rush for the branch plant. He Yuxin applied to send someone to be in charge of the Sijiu City Computer Factory, and He Yuzhu asked Xu Damao to transfer a deputy factory director from the electronics factory.

(End of this chapter)