Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 404 Chain Reaction
Xiong Jie rubbed his face vigorously, his voice a little hoarse: "Damn it, if this kind of battle continues, will we old guys not even be able to understand it anymore?"

Wu Qianli stared at the air defense nodes and command center that had been precisely destroyed on the screen, and muttered, "I used to think that our infiltration and flanking maneuvers, close combat and night fighting were our specialties, but now they don't even give us a chance to get close."

He Yuzhu handed them cigarettes, lit one for himself, and slowly exhaled a puff of smoke: "If you understand it, you're not afraid. What's scary is not understanding it or pretending to understand it. Their tactics are based on absolute control of information and technological superiority. We can't catch up with the whole system in a short time, but we can't stop studying it, and we can't stop preparing."

"How should we prepare?" Yu Congrong looked at He Yuzhu. "Zhuzi, you're knowledgeable, give me some pointers."

“We need to walk on several legs,” He Yuzhu said, counting on his fingers. “First, we need to study them, but more importantly, we need to study what they fear. Even the most advanced systems have weaknesses. We need to find them and develop ‘trump cards’ that can strike these nodes. Second, we need to accelerate our own information technology development, from individual soldier communications to command systems. Even if we start with pilot programs at the battalion and company levels, we have to get it going. Third, and most importantly, we can’t lose our old traditions—being able to hide, withstand attacks, and counterattack after being attacked. Strong defensive fortifications, dispersed material reserves, and a tenacious fighting spirit are never outdated in any era.”

Wu Qianli said, "Our combined arms brigade pilot program, from what we've seen so far, is on the right track. It's about exploring how to integrate limited advanced technologies and equipment into our existing systems and tactics to form our own unique characteristics and combat capabilities. We can't be overly ambitious, but we also can't be complacent."

Xiong Jie slapped his thigh hard: "That's right! We can't let them scare us, nor can we shut ourselves off and have fun. Those equipment and training ideas you mentioned last time, I think we need to speed things up! If the higher-ups don't approve them, I'll write a report and drag it out until they do!"

"You are infantrymen, so equipment is relatively easier to obtain. The higher-ups should be studying how to defend the country from the enemy."

"How do we defend ourselves?" Xiong Jie asked.

"You're so stubborn, why don't you go take the blame?" He Yuzhu said irritably.

"I'm not kidding you, I really don't know."

"Air Force, Navy, and finally your Army."

"Why?"

"If they can launch an attack on you from hundreds of kilometers away, how can your army retaliate, or rather, how can you take the initiative?"

The crowd fell silent. They had thought that sparring with the monkey would improve their combat strength, but it turned out that this was no longer the way things were done outside. Their disappointment was palpable.

"Alright, that's enough. Go back and think about it carefully."

Afterwards, He Yuzhu recalled those scenes. What surprised him was that the North American F-15 did not appear. It seemed that this model was canceled and replaced by the F-20, a model that had never served in the Bald Eagles. The parameters were also unclear, which showed the industrial capabilities of the North.

Apache didn't appear either, and someone else took its place. It seems North America has a strong sense of crisis. He doesn't know if the commotion he caused will turn into a butterfly effect.

He Yuzhu had just returned to Beijing a few days after analyzing the lessons of the Gulf War with his old comrades in Guangzhou when Director Song from Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group called again, his tone even more eager than before.

"Mr. He, have you read the report about the Gulf region?" Director Song sighed on the other end of the phone. "I can't sleep! The gap is too big! We had a meeting to discuss it, and we felt that the scope of our previous cooperation was too small, and we should take bigger steps!"

"Oh? Do you have any new ideas?" He Yuzhu asked, tapping the table lightly with his pen.

"Avionics, fire control, engines—we want to establish joint laboratories in these core areas!" Director Song's voice was urgent. "We will try our best to raise funds and equipment, but we urgently need your support in terms of technical ideas, research and development directions, especially in keeping up with international trends!"

He Yuzhu did not answer immediately.

He understood the significance of these areas and realized that Xifei had been spurred on and wanted to catch up.

But the waters run deeper and the implications are far more extensive.

"Director Song, I understand your thinking. But these areas are too sensitive."

"Is Mr. He worried that what happened before will happen again?"

He Yuzhu's lack of response was an admission of consent.

Factory Director Song sighed and said, "This is beyond my control. What would it take for Mr. He to be willing to cooperate more deeply?"

"I need a guarantee, not just words."

"this."

"That's the bottom line."

"Okay, I can apply, but I need to confirm first that you can provide what we want."

"Sure, I can give you a list, and you can decide after you've looked at it."

"Alright, Mr. He, please make the preparations as soon as possible."

"no problem."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu was considering what to give. He did have a complete set of materials, but the problem was that he couldn't possibly give them all out, as the source of the materials was unexplainable.

After much thought, he compiled a list that included only the technical field names and extremely brief descriptions of stealth materials, advanced engine core principles, digital avionics architecture, and precision guidance technology, without any details.

The list was quickly faxed to Xi'an Aircraft Industry Group.

After receiving the document, Director Song immediately convened a meeting with the chief engineer and several key personnel.

Inside the meeting room, as the few pages of paper were passed around among the attendees, gasps of surprise could be heard from time to time.

"Old Song, if these directions are true, then the value..." Chief Engineer Li's hand trembled slightly.

"The key question is, how did he come up with these ideas? They align so closely with our internal assessment of the next generation's development priorities!" Another deputy chief engineer in charge of engines exclaimed in disbelief.

Factory Director Song also looked grave: "Even a businessman can see this, and we've only just made a preliminary assessment. Don't you think our thinking is way behind the times? You still want to ask where it came from? He's not an ordinary businessman; he's seen far more than you have. It's best not to trace the source of this. I don't know how much risk he took to get it. I don't want to hear this kind of talk in our factory."

"But will the higher-ups approve such deep cooperation? The previous radar project caused so much trouble," someone worried.

Factory Director Song took a deep breath: "Times have changed. This battle in the Gulf has been a wake-up call for many. I'll go to the ministry leaders and report this personally! We must try our best, no matter what!"

A few days later, Director Song personally visited He Yuzhu at Nanluoguxiang in Beijing.

In the He family study, his face showed undisguised exhaustion and apology.

"Mr. He, I'm sorry to disappoint you." Factory Director Song sighed. "The higher-ups have studied this for a long time, but in the end, they still can't give you the guarantee you want. The area involved is too core, and there are many concerns."

He Yuzhu seemed to have expected this, and calmly poured Director Song a cup of tea: "I understand. This is a serious matter, and caution is necessary."

"However," Director Song changed the subject, "the higher-ups have also seen your sincerity and the urgency we face. Although a deep integration in the core military industry is not feasible for the time being, the leadership has proposed a compromise. I wonder if you are interested?"

"please say."

“Within our system, there are actually some research institutes and supporting factories that mainly focus on the civilian sector or whose technology can be used for both military and civilian purposes. For example, there are those that research auxiliary power units for civil aircraft, those that work on airborne civilian electrical appliances, and those that specialize in the research and development of special composite materials. They are not doing well right now and urgently need funding and technology injections to transform. If you are interested, you may be able to start by cooperating with these places, or even invest in one or two of them to set up the framework first.”

Seeing that He Yuzhu did not answer, Director Song continued, "These units have a good foundation and their technical personnel have solid skills. Once they are put to good use, they have great potential. Moreover, breakthroughs in civilian technology can often benefit other fields as well."

"What benefits would I gain from doing this? I would invest money and technology, but in the end, these entities wouldn't belong to me, and I might not even be able to use the technological achievements outside of them?" He Yuzhu asked rhetorically.

"this."

"Then let's talk about this after you've found out the details. Although I'm willing to help with national defense, you can't let me lose everything, can you?"

"Understood, I'll make another trip, find out the details, and then come back to you."

"Well, you can give me a copy of the information for the companies you mentioned first, and we'll evaluate them. Not just any company can cooperate with us."

“I understand. I can tell from the partners you’ve chosen. I’ll make preparations when I get back.”

"Alright, I'll wait for your good results."

After seeing Director Song off, He Yuzhu asked Xiaoman, "What do you think?"

"I can't be sure about this kind of thing, you should decide for yourself. But before you decide, you should think about your family and the company. You're not someone who can go out into the world alone."

“I know, that’s why I hesitated,” He Yuzhu said.

"Actually, the industry we are in now is enough for the group."

“I know, but never mind, let’s leave it to fate,” He Yuzhu said.

"Do you still believe this?"

“You can’t deny it. Man can conquer nature, but there’s more than one sky. There are too many clouds in the sky. Who knows whether the next cloud will be white or dark?” He Yuzhu said.

"I don't want to see dark clouds; it would be best if it were always sunny."

“How could that be?” He Yuzhu laughed.

"If it doesn't work, let's find a place with fewer clouds."

“Hey, don’t you know what the situation is like outside? It’s just as complicated as it is here,” He Yuzhu said.

"Therefore, the fewer things we get involved in, the less risk we face."

“That’s not necessarily true,” He Yuzhu said.

"I'm not going to discuss this with you anymore. There's no point in it. Unless the He family stops doing business, we'll all back out and leave the younger brothers and children to worry about it."

"What, you want to retire?" He Yuzhu asked.

"Ah."

“Wait a few years. Do you dare to let go now? I wouldn’t dare!” He Yuzhu said.

"Too."

Factory Director Song didn't keep He Yuzhu waiting too long. There were too many companies below him eagerly awaiting their turn, and in his view, those who were chosen were the lucky ones.

He Yuzhu carefully reviewed the documents left by Director Song, tapping lightly on three of them with his finger. "These three will do," he said to Xiaoman, "the Civil Aviation Auxiliary Power Research Institute, the Airborne Electronic Equipment Factory, and that Special Materials Laboratory. They all have a good foundation, and most importantly, their research areas are relevant."

Xiaoman took the document and looked at it: "How do you plan to negotiate?"

“Let’s make initial contact. Let’s clarify our conditions: we can invest capital, we can bring in technology, and management control must belong to us. We will guarantee the resettlement of existing employees, but the new company must operate according to our model.” He Yuzhu said calmly, “If they can accept this, we can continue the discussion. If they can’t, we’ll stop here.”

The first meeting was arranged in a conference room at a guesthouse under the Ministry of Machinery Industry.

Five or six people came from the other side, including three unit leaders and two colleagues from the ministry.

He Yuzhu only brought a lawyer and a financial advisor with him.

"Mr. He, thank you for your attention to our units." Director Zhang from the department began politely, "Reform requires bold experimentation. However, could we perhaps discuss the issue of management rights further? After all, these units possess unique technologies."

He Yuzhu interrupted with a smile: "Director Zhang, I understand. But since it's a collaboration, there must be equal rights and responsibilities. I've invested real money and advanced technology. If I can't grasp the business direction and make decisions according to market rules, then the risk of this investment is too great."

The head of the materials laboratory adjusted his glasses: "Mr. He, our biggest problem right now is aging equipment, which makes many experiments impossible. If we cooperate, how much can you invest in upgrading the equipment?"

"The first phase is five million," He Yuzhu announced directly. "It will mainly be used to upgrade key equipment. But the premise is that the laboratory's research direction must be adjusted, and the focus will shift to civilian high-performance composite materials."

"Five million?" The managers exchanged glances.

At the time, this figure was undoubtedly a godsend for these organizations that were struggling with funding.

The factory manager of the airborne electronic equipment plant hesitated before asking, "What about the existing employees?"

"All employees will be accepted," He Yuzhu gave a clear answer. "They will be retrained and put back on the job. Those who do not wish to stay will be compensated according to national standards."

The negotiations lasted the entire afternoon.

After seeing the other party off, the lawyer whispered, "Mr. He, those two from the department still have some reservations."

“It’s normal.” He Yuzhu wasn’t surprised. “There’s no precedent for this. Let them digest it slowly.”

Over the next month, three rounds of negotiations were held.

He Yuzhu insisted on not relinquishing control of operations and management, but made appropriate concessions on details such as employee resettlement and ownership of technological achievements.

Ultimately, with support from higher levels, an agreement was reached: Yellow River Group would invest 60 million yuan to jointly establish "Yellow River High-Tech Group" with these three entities, with Yellow River holding a 67% stake and gaining management control. The original entities would retain a 33% stake as shareholders, and all their employees would be transferred to the new company.

The signing ceremony was simple and took place in the ministry's conference room.

The moment He Yuzhu put down his pen, he knew that this was the real beginning.

"Congratulations, Mr. He." Factory Director Song came specially for this occasion. "Now you've really taken on the responsibility."

"Many thanks to Director Song for making the connection." He Yuzhu shook hands with him. "How's it going? Any progress on your end?"

Factory Director Song lowered his voice: "The leadership said to first see how effective your efforts are. If this approach works, there may be more opportunities for cooperation later."

Upon returning to the company, He Yuzhu immediately convened a meeting with the management team.

“Everyone is aware of the situation at the three units. Mr. Wang, you will lead your team to the Auxiliary Power Research Institute; Mr. Li, you will be in charge of airborne electronics; Mr. Zhang, special materials will be your responsibility.” He Yuzhu assigned tasks, “The primary task is to stabilize morale, then equipment upgrades, and finally business transformation.”

The executives accepted the order and left.

Xiaoman was a little worried: "With three stalls set up all at once, can management keep up?"

“So we need to use their own people.” He Yuzhu had already planned this out. “We’ll only send finance and a few key personnel. If they can’t even manage these, then there’s no point in even thinking about bigger collaborations later on.”

The transformation was not smooth.

The veteran engineer at the airborne electronics factory shook his head at the new production line operation manual: "What kind of foreign stuff is this? Our old system worked so well!"

Researchers in the materials laboratory didn't understand the shift to civilian applications: "We used to serve key projects. Now we're making civilian materials. Isn't that a waste of our talents?"

He Yuzhu personally visited each factory and then addressed the entire staff meeting:
“I know everyone has concerns. But I want to tell you that the best technology must be able to stand on its own in the market. Competition in the civilian sector is, in some ways, even more brutal than in the military industry. Only the technologies that can survive and thrive here are truly top-notch.”

He paused, then looked around the audience: "Moreover, breakthroughs in civilian technology often benefit other fields. You will all understand this in the future."

Next, Huanghe High-Tech embarked on a difficult transformation.

Old equipment is being phased out, and new production lines are being installed and tested.

Researchers were required to learn about the latest international technological developments, and managers began receiving market training.

Pain is inevitable, but some people adapt to change quickly.

When Director Song visited again, he was very surprised: "Old He, your efficiency is impressive! The leaders in the department are paying close attention."

"Aren't you busy? How come you have time to come here?" He Yuzhu asked.

"We've received news that the higher-ups have reviewed your restructuring report and believe this approach is feasible. It's possible that more similar units will be opened up for pilot programs next year."

He Yuzhu nodded; this was within his expectations.

"This has nothing to do with you, you can't change it."

"I'm just impatient for the results."

“What’s the use of rushing? Results don’t come overnight. I’ve only just begun,” He Yuzhu said.

"Can we cut in line?"

"No, unless you transfer some of your people over, I can't guarantee anything. The workers and technicians down here still need to live; I've already made a guarantee for them," He Yuzhu said.

“Then I’ll apply. If I can really get transferred, you can’t make excuses to refuse again.”

“No problem, go find the men. The more soldiers Han Xin commands, the better,” He Yuzhu said.

"You said it yourself."

“What I’m saying is, apart from organizations like yours, you can’t stop people from changing jobs if they want to,” He Yuzhu said.

"You're really that confident?"

“Yes,” He Yuzhu replied.

"Then I really need to think about it."

"Then go back and think about it, don't keep me busy," He Yuzhu said.

"We're so familiar with each other, can't you be a little more polite to me?"

“You’re like a debt collector, how can I be polite?” He Yuzhu said.

"So it's all my fault now."

“Yes, that’s what I mean,” He Yuzhu said.

"No, if I bring the person over to you, you have to treat me to a meal."

“You were the one who came to us begging,” He Yuzhu said.

"Well, you were the one who found us first."

“Times have changed!” He Yuzhu said.

"Let's go, remember to prepare some drinks!"

A few days after Director Song returned, he sent over a detailed personnel file, which shows how anxious he was.

He Yuzhu flipped through the files and found that they were all technical backbones around forty years old with solid professional backgrounds, but they all seemed to be somewhat unsuccessful in their original units.

He picked up the phone and dialed Director Song: "Old Song, you've probably sent all the troublemakers here, haven't you?"

Laughter came from the other end of the phone: "How could that be! They're all capable and have ideas, just a bit too straightforward. Aren't you, Boss He, the best at training people like that?"

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu handed the file to Xiaoman: "Have the technical department evaluate it. If the major is indeed a good match, then arrange an interview."

"it is good."

The interviews were scheduled for a week later. He Yuzhu personally participated in the last few rounds and found that these people were indeed as Director Song had said, with solid professional skills, but they were somewhat influenced by the mindset of their previous employers.

"Should we hire these people?" Xiaoman asked after the interview.
"We'll hire the best; those with rigid thinking won't be suitable for us."

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

Factory Director Song called to ask why so many were returned. He Yuzhu didn't mince words and told him that those were only suitable for state-owned enterprises.

Factory Director Song said that the samples would be screened and sent over next time. He Yuzhu remained noncommittal. They didn't even know what they would find if they screened it themselves, but it was better than not screening at all, as it would save them some time.

He Yuzhu delegated the specific tasks to his subordinates, and he no longer participated in the interviews, as it would be a waste of time.

The people below breathed a sigh of relief; the boss coming in person put a lot of pressure on them.

(End of this chapter)