Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 401 Good things happen one after another
On this day, He Yuzhu was in his study at home in Beijing, reviewing the progress report of the Yellow River Heavy Industry Caofeidian project, when the phone on his desk rang.

He picked up the receiver, and Wu Qianli's familiar voice came from the other end: "Old He, it's me, Qianli."

"I can tell. What brings you to call me, you old rascal?" He Yuzhu laughed.

"Hey, I just missed you. How about coming to Huacheng so we old buddies can get together? I also want to talk to you about something."

He Yuzhu was extremely astute and immediately picked up on something from Wu Qianli's unnatural tone.

"Is this gathering something more than just a casual get-together?"

"We're waiting for your fine wine."

"How greedy are you that you called me and asked me to travel thousands of miles to treat you to good wine?"

"Who told you to be rich? We're not going to drink with you."

"Is there something else you haven't said?"

"Oh, no, come quickly, we're all waiting. I have a meeting right away, I'll hang up now."

"toot toot"

"What are these guys up to, all so secretive?" He Yuzhu muttered.

However, he still told his family that he had gone to Huacheng. He had already ventured into dangerous places, so why would he be afraid of a drink with his old comrade-in-arms?

When He Yuzhu arrived in Huacheng, Wu Qianli personally came to pick him up in a car. When he saw the several boxes of wine that He Yuzhu had shipped, he beamed with joy.

On the bus, Wu Qianli rambled on about this and that, only mentioning that his old comrades were getting together, without saying anything else.

He Yuzhu didn't point it out and followed him into the military region's guesthouse.

As expected, Xiong Jie, Wu Wanli, Yu Congrong, and others were all in the private room. There were a few bottles of ordinary baijiu on the table, and the dishes were simple.

"Old He, we've been waiting for you!" Xiong Jie stood up to greet him, his smile a little too enthusiastic.

"Old Xiong, is this all you're offering me?" He Yuzhu said, sitting down and pointing to the bottle.

Xiong Jie chuckled and poured him a drink: "This is all we can afford. How about we switch to yours?"

He Yuzhu rolled his eyes at him. Xiong Jie was the type to take advantage of anyone. He shouted outside, and someone went down to the car to unload the wine.

When the wine was brought out, the ordinary wines on the table were removed, and a bottle of Moutai brought by He Yaozu was placed in front of each person.

Then the old guys took turns toasting each other, and the atmosphere seemed lively, but He Yuzhu felt that these old guys were up to no good.

Sure enough, after a few rounds of drinks, Xiong Jie put down his glass and became serious: "Zhu Zi, we're old comrades-in-arms, so let's not beat around the bush. I invited you here today for two reasons: first, to catch up, and second, because I have a favor to ask."

He Yuzhu said irritably, "I knew it, you guys were plotting against me."

"Then why did you come?"

"Of course I'd come, we're brothers in arms," ​​He Yuzhu said.

"Great, then I'll say it. Our division will soon be transformed into a combined arms brigade."

"That's a good thing, so what?"

Do you know what a combined arms brigade is?

"I don't know, but it sounds alright," He Yuzhu said with a smile.

"We're still waiting for you to give us a lecture, how could you not know?" Wu Qianli said anxiously.

"Yeah, Brother Zhu, you can't keep anything to yourself."

“Zhu Zi, the brothers are counting on making a name for themselves, you can’t just not help,” Yu Congrong said.

"So you were completely in the dark, and I'm here to light your way? Sorry, I'm not a flashlight."

"No, no, you are our guiding light, how could we dare to let you be our flashlight?" Xiong Jie said.

"We haven't had enough of the wine yet, let's continue." Wu Wanli raised the wine bottle directly to offer a toast.

"Are you planning to lie down for a day?" He Yuzhu asked Wu Wanli.

"I've drunk it all out, bottoms up, thump thump thump." After finishing his drink, Wu Wanli sat down on the ground, only to be caught by He Yuzhu.

Just as he helped Wu Wanli to a chair, Yu Congrong also did the same, "Damn it!"

He was a bit better than Wu Wanli, except his face turned frighteningly red, and then his legs started trembling.

"It's my turn." Xiong Jie helped Yu Congrong up, and then he also raised his wine bottle.

"Wait a minute, so you're setting me up for a trap? But isn't your version of the trap reversed?"

“If we can’t outdrink you, can’t we at least drink ourselves under the table? Let’s see if you’re really that heartless. If one round isn’t enough, we’ll have a few more.” Xiong Jie said, bringing the bottle to his lips and starting to drink. He Yuzhu snatched the bottle away and slammed it heavily on the table.

"Are you guys out of your minds? How can you drink like that?"

"It's a death order from above. We're going to die sooner or later anyway," Xiong Jie said stubbornly.

"You're just here to watch the show?" He Yuzhu glared at Wu Qianli.

“When Old Bear falls, it’s my turn!” Wu Qianli said naturally.

Is it really fun for you guys to do this?

"Yes." Wu Qianli and Xiong Jie nodded emphatically together.

He Yuzhu looked at his old comrades who were going all out, feeling both amused and annoyed. He pushed the bottle aside and sighed, "Alright, alright, sit down! At your age, still playing these games, aren't you ashamed?"

Xiong Jie and Wu Qianli exchanged a glance, then quickly sat up straight and stared at him expectantly.

"I do know some concepts about combined arms brigades," He Yuzhu said slowly, lighting a cigarette. "But this isn't something you can just come up with on a whim. Equipment, organization, training, logistics, even command thinking—everything needs to change. What kind do you want? Heavy? Medium? Or something with unique characteristics?"

Their eyes lit up instantly. Wu Qianli hurriedly said, "Zhu Zi, tell me in detail!"

"Heavy weapons are characterized by heavy firepower, thick armor, and strong attack capabilities; medium weapons emphasize mobility and rapid deployment; and special features can lean towards special operations, information warfare, or air assault," He Yuzhu explained simply. "Each approach requires different core equipment. What do you have now? What do you want? You need to have a direction first."

Xiong Jie rubbed his hands together: "The higher-ups asked us to explore things, but they didn't give us any specific guidelines. We were wondering if we could try to include a little bit of everything?"

He Yuzhu was so angry he laughed: "Don't bite off more than you can chew! With your division's meager resources, even if you dismantle everything, it wouldn't be enough to fill a tooth gap. Set a direction first, concentrate resources to create a model, that's better than anything else."

For the next few days, He Yuzhu was practically "under house arrest" at the guesthouse.

He and his old comrades, taking into account the existing conditions and the possible forms of future warfare, carefully deduced various plans and finally put together three construction concepts of varying degrees of detail, covering the prototypes of heavy, medium and special combined arms brigades.

The proposal received great attention after it was submitted.

Soon after, orders came down, and Xiong Jie's division was selected as a pilot unit to be reorganized first, with the direction set as exploring combined arms units with special combat capabilities.

Xiong Jie was appointed as the first brigade commander, and Wu Wanli, Yu Congrong, and others were also appointed.

To He Yuzhu's surprise, he was given the title of "Special Military Advisor" to facilitate his subsequent involvement in the work.

When He Yuzhu put on that uniform without rank insignia again, he stood in front of the mirror and remained silent for a long time.

Even Wu Qianli, who pushed open the door, felt a long-lost, sharp sense of oppression.

"Old He, this outfit... actually looks pretty decent," Wu Qianli said with a smile.

He Yuzhu turned around, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Looks like something? When Wanli and the others were drunk, they didn't think I was just 'looks like something'."

Wu Qianli chuckled awkwardly, then said seriously, "I'm not joking anymore. Zhu Zi, we have a plan, but the equipment shortage is too huge. The higher-ups promised to provide some, but a lot of it is new stuff, and it won't be available anytime soon."

He Yuzhu interrupted him: "I knew you'd have to come to me again. Where's the list?"

Wu Qianli quickly handed over a list he had prepared beforehand, a smile plastered on his face: "I knew I couldn't hide it from you. There are some things that only you can figure out."

He Yuzhu took the list and glanced at it. It listed requirements ranging from new communication equipment and optoelectronic observation devices to chassis for certain special vehicles, as well as armored vehicles, helicopters, and so on.

"Don't you already have these?"

"The quantity is too small, so I've come to you, the God of Wealth," Wu Qianli said.

"What, trying to get something for free?"

"How could that be? Just give us the factory price. You know we're poor," Wu Qianli said.

"Do you want the Type 59?"

“You still have this thing? Don’t make a mistake, kid,” Wu Qianli said.

"What are you thinking? I acquired a factory. They have the capacity to produce, but they need a license."

"Can you produce something even more advanced?" Wu Qianli asked.

"What, you want a T80?"

“Of course it would be great if you had connections, how come you have them?” Wu Qianli asked.

"Go north and exchange for grain and daily necessities."

"Really?" Wu Qianli asked.

"It's fake!" He Yuzhu said irritably. "No, you old bastard wouldn't say this for no reason. I'll call and ask in a bit."

"up to you."

"What about the others?" Wu Qianli asked.

"Armored vehicles and amphibious armored vehicles can be manufactured, but you need to provide the data for the weapon interfaces, and you also need approval."

“Sure, what about communications and optoelectronics?” Wu Qianli asked.

"The telecommunications sponsorship you received a batch of those things, they're not worth much. The light source won't do, I need to ask around."

“Look at your money-grubbing appearance, you’re worthless,” Wu Qianli said.

"What, you're not convinced?"

"I'm impressed, you're a god of wealth now," Wu Qianli said.

He Yuzhu stayed in Huacheng for a few more days, helping Xiong Jie and the others to set up the initial framework, before returning to Beijing.

He had barely stepped inside his house when a phone call came in; it was from Mei Suxin.

"Uncle He! Great news! We've received an order!" Mei Suxin's voice trembled with excitement on the other end of the phone. "It's for the military, armored vehicles! The first batch is twenty!"

He Yuzhu remained calm, as he was the one who negotiated the deal: "How's the production line installation and debugging going?"

"The new production line is still being debugged, so we'll use the old one for now. But Uncle He, there are quite a few problems. The power system matching keeps having issues, the transmission components aren't strong enough, and we almost had an accident during testing. Also, we don't have the technical expertise to meet their requirements for communication and detection interfaces."

"Didn't you send people? If there's a problem, solve it. Is there a communication problem?"

"No, no, I'm just worried about delaying production."

“You can have Hong Kong make the parts for you first, and you can produce the rest. You will still be responsible for the final assembly.”

"Okay, I'll make arrangements right away!"

"Anything else?"

"No, just wanted to let you know, Uncle He, that the workers are very motivated after hearing about the military order."

"It's good that they're motivated, but quality is the lifeline, especially for military products. You need to explain this to them clearly and thoroughly. Whoever damages the 541—no, I mean Yellow River Special Vehicles—I'll take away their livelihood." He Yuzhu said sternly.

"Understood!" Mei Suxin hung up the phone with great enthusiasm.

He Yuzhu had just put down the receiver when it rang again.

This time, it was the person in charge of the Yellow River Helicopter Factory.

"Chairman, the military has placed an order, but they only need the engine, rotor, and avionics system. The quantity is small, only five sets for the first batch."

He Yuzhu understood that this was a preliminary test: "Understood. Produce to the highest standards to ensure everything is foolproof. This is the key to getting in the door; if it's done well, we can get bigger orders later."

"Yes, we will definitely do our best!"

Xiaoman came in to bring him tea and casually asked, "You've been so busy since you got back. Did you go to a party or to discuss business?"

"All."

"You seem even busier now that you're back than when you were in Hong Kong."

"There's nothing I can do. There are many things we can't discuss with others. Our business is expanding too much, so I guess it's impossible for you and me to retire early."

"It's okay, I'm not used to having so much free time," Xiaoman said with a smile.

“Then let’s work a few more years. Once Yaozu and the others are able to hold things together, we’ll retire. I’ll walk my birds and practice some boxing every day, and you can help take care of the kids,” He Yuzhu said.

"You're dreaming. I'll do all the work."

"Haha, what can I do? You're such a good wife," He Yuzhu said.

"Now you're saying she's a good wife, but you don't say that when I'm doing the work outside."

“You are a woman who excels both internally and externally, a true strong woman,” He Yuzhu said.

"That's more like it," Xiaoman said with a satisfied smile.

News also came from the aircraft factory in the southwest. After testing the radar, they wanted to jointly develop a new generation of radar with Huanghe. However, it could only be installed in a university laboratory in the southwest. Huanghe could only produce the research results domestically. If it passed the test, the aircraft factory would purchase it.

Actually, this was a way to protect the technology. It's not easy to get it out of China. He Yuzhu agreed without even thinking about it.

This is a good start. As for the rest, they will come to us once things are coordinated over there.

He Yuzhu then called Gu Yuanheng and asked him to compile the radar parameters of the SU-33 and send them to the Southwest by a special person. The legal department would also go with him, since it was a cooperative project and the details needed to be agreed upon.

As for the F-15, He Yuzhu believes it won't be long before the information is released, because the Yellow River Helicopter Factory has already used some of the Apache's technology. It took them ten years to catch up, which shows how difficult it was.

The good news doesn't stop there. After arduous research and development, the Yellow River Microelectronics Research Institute in Beijing has successfully completed the tape-out of its first-generation "Loongson" chip.

Although the performance parameters are still significantly different from those of mainstream international products, and there are issues such as high power consumption and the need for further verification of stability, this is a breakthrough from scratch, and it is of great significance.

He Yuzhu went there in person. In the laboratory of the Institute of Microelectronics, He Yuzhu saw the chip. It was much rougher than the one in the Singapore laboratory, but he smiled brightly.

Project leader Huang Lingyi excitedly said, "Chairman, we did it! Although it's not perfect yet, all the designs and instruction sets are our own! The architecture may have been borrowed, but the core was completed independently!"

He Yuzhu listened attentively, asking questions from time to time. Finally, he said, "You've worked hard! This is historic! With this '1', the '10' and '100' will no longer be out of reach! The group is proud of you!"

"No, Chairman, we should thank you. You have given us the opportunity to manufacture our own chips, an opportunity that our previous employers could not provide."

"Then you should use this gratitude in your subsequent research and development."

“Okay,” all the researchers said in unison.

He then announced that the entire Loongson project team would receive a large bonus and that more funds would be allocated to support the research and development of the next generation of products.

The news was met with jubilation throughout the research institute.

However, joy is not something everyone can experience.

Meanwhile, within the same research institute, the atmosphere in another team responsible for tackling key technological challenges related to lithography machines and related processes was somewhat subdued.

Watching the "Loongson" team receive recognition and applause, several key researchers huddled in a corner, their faces revealing disappointment and anxiety.

"Engineer Song, our progress... sigh. Others have already produced the chips, but we haven't completely solved the light source problem, and the precision of the lens assembly processing is also a bottleneck," a young engineer wearing thick glasses sighed.

Project manager Song Zhiyuan snapped, "Stop complaining! If you're just jealous of other people's bonuses, then do your job well."

"Yes!"

He Yuzhu hadn't forgotten the people here. After finishing up there, he and Huang Lingyi came to the lithography machine.

"Chairman, Director Huang."

He Yuzhu looked at him and said, "Engineer Song, I know about your difficulties. The lithography machine is the mother of future chips, and it is a real tough nut to crack, ten or even a hundred times more difficult than designing a chip. The group has also seen the efforts your team has made."

He paused, then continued, "You can bring up any difficulties you may have at any time, and I will try to find a solution."

"Thank you, Chairman."

“We do have difficulties, not in terms of equipment, but in terms of technology and knowledge.”

He Yuzhu frowned and said, "How can I help you with this first?"

"We need more data."

"Don't you need to go out to study?"

"No need, these are all experienced researchers, we can understand them."

"Okay, I agree."

"Great."

"I've given you the materials, and I hope that next time I come, I'll see that you've made a significant breakthrough. The group will celebrate with you then!"

Song Zhiyuan nodded vigorously: "Chairman, rest assured! We will do our utmost and will never let the group down!"

He knew this thing wasn't just developed for the group; he'd seen the clues in Loongson chips, which is why he said that.

After leaving the research institute and getting into the car, Xiaoman asked, "Brother Zhu, these things can be bought now, is such a big investment worthwhile?"

"Do you really think so?"

“The products developed in Singapore are much better than those here, which is why I asked. It’s not that difficult to buy a lithography machine.”

"First of all, the application areas are different. Secondly, what if there is a major technological breakthrough? For example, what if these things are used in all walks of life in the future?"

Xiaoman couldn't imagine it.

"Given the way things are done in the West, what do you think will happen?" He Yuzhu asked again.

“They definitely won’t let us develop this, I understand. But doesn’t this need to be patented?” Xiaoman replied.

“Of course, I’ve already arranged for Wilson to send someone over to make contact,” He Yuzhu said.

(End of this chapter)