Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 407 Vision 2.0's World Wave
North America.

Neo-Vision once again joined forces with AMD to hold a grand launch event in Los Angeles, officially launching the Vision 2.0 desktop operating system.

Compared to its predecessor, Vision 2.0 features a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing graphical interface, and its system stability has also been significantly improved.

What truly caused a sensation were the office suite, industrial drawing software, and professional accounting system that were launched alongside the system and had already undergone deep adaptation.

The ease of use and professionalism demonstrated by these software programs left a deep impression on the media and industry professionals present.

What made some people in the audience even more uneasy was that Neo-Vision President Martin Hernandez announced at the press conference that the Vision server operating system, adapted for AMD minicomputers, would be launched simultaneously.

He also extended an invitation to developers worldwide, announcing the opening of the system interface, which developers can access for free, and encouraging them to develop various applications for the Vision system.

"Whether it's a revenue-sharing partnership or the direct sale of software copyrights, Neo-Vision is open to both and willing to pay reasonable copyright fees," Martin's voice echoed through the venue via microphone. "We believe that a vibrant ecosystem is more vital than any closed system."

The Microsoft representative in the audience looked ashen-faced.

Windows 3.1, on which they have placed high hopes, has not yet been officially released, and in terms of functionality and completeness, it seems to have been left behind by Vision 2.0, not to mention that the latter has already begun to build an application ecosystem and enter the server field.

When the news reached Microsoft headquarters, the atmosphere became even more somber after the technical team thoroughly analyzed the information they had gathered about Vision 2.0.

"Their graphics rendering is more efficient, and their memory management mechanism is unique. More importantly, professional software companies are likely to prioritize adapting their software to them because of their first-mover advantage," an engineer said, pointing to the demonstration data.

Gates listened in silence, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table.

He realized that this was no longer just a competition on a technological level, but a race against time and for the ecosystem.

“Accelerate the development of Windows 3.1; it must be released as soon as possible,” Gates finally said, his voice carrying an undeniable determination. “At the same time, contact the major independent software developers to ensure they don’t abandon our platform.”

Almost simultaneously with the North American launch event, in China, salespeople from Huanghe Electrical Appliance Mall were already visiting certain organizations, promoting the new Vision 2.0 system, its accompanying office and professional software, as well as the Vision server version, AMD servers, and network cards, switches, and other equipment for building local area networks.

The goods were all shipped out in advance; otherwise, given their nature there, it would have been a long time before they were available in China.

These entities also need to sign a confidentiality agreement before making the purchase, but who cares? The agreement only stipulates that they can only disclose their purchases of AMD and Neo-Vision products a year later.

They're not that stupid; wouldn't it be better to keep quiet and reap the benefits?

In this way, the latest computer technology quietly flows into research, design, and key departments that urgently need to improve their information technology capabilities.

The department that received the materials He Yuzhu recently sent to Lao Fang ordered five servers and fifty ordinary machines, requiring all the software to be installed.

In her office at the Institute of Microelectronics, Huang Lingyi also received a set of Vision 2.0 and its accompanying software, which were sent by Li Chengru.

After installing and testing it, she saw the operating system and professional graphics tools running smoothly on the AMD machine. Comparing the results with the performance on the chip they developed themselves, she felt immense pressure, but also gained motivation.

She picked up the phone and called the R&D team: "Pass the word, we'll have a meeting in half an hour. We need to reassess the next chip design requirements; we must keep up with the system's pace."

Meanwhile, He Yuzhu, who was in Beijing, received a transoceanic call from Chen Sheng from North America after the press conference.

"Boss, the press conference was a great success, and the number of order inquiries far exceeded expectations. Also, the people from Microsoft left early; they're probably having a headache now."

He Yuzhu listened to the report without any surprise on his face: "Just proceed as planned. We need to be patient in cultivating the developer ecosystem and not be stingy with our investment. Also, pay attention to internal security; I expect there will be more small-scale actions coming up."

"Understood, the security level has been raised. We are also maintaining 'good' communication with the FBI."

This blow was devastating. Microsoft needs time to turn things around, and Neo-Vision and the entire Yellow River system desperately need this window of opportunity.

He Yuzhu hung up the phone call from Chen Sheng in North America and then called Huang Lingyi from the Institute of Microelectronics.

"Director Huang, have you tried out the Vision 2.0 system and application software?"

On the other end of the phone, Huang Lingyi replied, "Chairman, we've just finished the initial testing. The system is excellent, and the supporting software is also very powerful. This is both a pressure and a motivation for us. I was just about to report to you that our existing chip design must keep up with the computing power, especially the graphics processing and data exchange requirements of this system and application as soon as possible."

"Simply keeping up is far from enough; we need to have our own foundation. Hardware is the body, and software is the soul. The development of the institute's software department should also be put on the agenda and treated as a strategic priority."

“I understand what you mean. We previously focused more on hardware and low-level drivers, and our experience in high-level language programming, system tools and application software was indeed weak.”

"Then let's start catching up now. We'll be recruiting outstanding graduates and postgraduates from major universities across the country, with a focus on mathematics and software-related majors. Their theoretical foundation must be solid. We need people who can focus on basic research and development and build systems."

"Regarding recruitment standards and compensation," Huang Lingyi inquired.

"Standards must be strict; we'd rather have fewer but better candidates. Compensation will be at the upper-middle level of similar international positions, plus our project bonuses and long-term incentives. Tell them that coming here isn't just about finding a job; it's about participating in building China's own basic software ecosystem. They need to have ideals, but the group won't let down those who work hard. You and the institute's human resources department should come up with a specific plan as soon as possible and submit it to me."

"Yes, Chairman. I will organize a meeting immediately to implement this."

He Yuzhu's idea is not simply to build applications based on Vision. He wants to create an ecosystem that matches Loongson. Of course, the research institute also needs to make money to cover experimental expenses, which is commercial software.

A few days later, a detailed recruitment plan was placed on He Yuzhu's desk.

The recruitment plan clearly outlines the following areas: development of core operating system components, compilation toolchains, basic algorithm libraries, graphics and image processing, and preliminary research on application software for specific industries.

The job posting was quickly sent to relevant departments of several top universities in China through the Yellow River Group's channels.

There was no grand advertising campaign; the focus was directly on students who demonstrated potential and passion in their professional fields.

On the campus of Yenching University, a young mathematics professor, holding a recruitment flyer for Yellow River Microelectronics, said to several outstanding graduate students who were about to graduate: "Yellow River's recruitment this time has a very clear direction: to work on fundamental and basic research. The salary offered is very attractive. You guys have a solid foundation, so if you're interested, you can give it a try."

The students below, who originally wanted to pursue further studies abroad and then find employment, were in a dilemma.

On the shore of Weiming Lake, several undergraduate students were having a discussion.

"Yellow River Microelectronics? The one that makes chips? Now they're getting into software too?"

"I heard it's a collaborative development of software and hardware. Their new Vision system is quite impressive; it probably requires a lot of supporting software and underlying optimization."

"The requirements are quite high; they value mathematical foundation and systematic ability."

"It's more challenging than working for those companies that only do application development, right? I feel like I can get in touch with more core things."

Meanwhile, similar scenes are unfolding at universities such as Tsinghua University and Harbin Institute of Technology.

With its growing reputation in the high-tech field and its commitment to basic research and development, Huanghe Group has attracted a group of young students who are not content with just application development and are eager to make achievements in the field of basic software to submit their resumes.

Huang Lingyi personally participated in the interviews of some of the core candidates.

She focuses more on the depth of the other person's understanding of the problem, their logical thinking ability, and their problem-solving approach, rather than just their mastery of a certain popular programming language or framework.

After the interviews, she reported to He Yuzhu: "There are a few promising candidates with solid foundations and a spirit of inquiry. However, they generally lack experience in large-scale projects and have a relatively limited understanding of the current state of the industry."

“Experience can be accumulated, and horizons can be broadened.” He Yuzhu was not surprised. “The key is potential and attitude. After recruiting people, we need to have a systematic training plan. We can invite experienced engineers from outside to conduct short-term training, or we can consider sending outstanding people to our overseas laboratories for exchange and learning. We must make sure they grow up as quickly as possible and become capable of working independently.”

"Understood. We will develop a detailed training program."

The first batch of software talents who passed the rigorous screening have gradually arrived, and the software department of the Yellow River Microelectronics Research Institute has been initially established.

Although the scale is still small and the staff is somewhat inexperienced, it has taken a crucial step from nothing to something.

Their first official assignment caused a brief silence in the meeting room.

The task sheet contained two lines of text:

Develop an "electronic archiving and retrieval system for research results and data within the institute".

Build an "internal technical forum" (BBS) based on existing hardware.

"Does the electronic archiving system require a database?" a young researcher asked uncertainly.

Although he had studied database theory, this was his first time applying it in practice.

“I’ve heard of BBS. I think it’s used in universities and research institutes abroad, the kind that uses dial-up via telephone lines?” another person chimed in, but that was also just hearsay.

The concept wasn't entirely unfamiliar, but no one knew exactly how to implement it.

The institute provided ample support, allocating computers per person and providing all necessary development software. In addition to the computers, the archives were stocked with numerous photocopied English technical manuals, covering topics such as database principles, network communication protocols (e.g., TCP/IP), and in-depth applications of C and assembly language.

There are even some valuable documents about the architecture of early foreign local area networks (such as Ethernet) and BBS systems.

While the computer industry has won a victory, the encirclement and suppression of Huanghe mobile phones in overseas markets has become increasingly obvious.

Motorola, along with several European telecommunications companies, filed anti-dumping investigation applications against Yellow River Communications in various European countries, accusing Yellow River mobile phones of being sold in the European market at below-cost prices and disrupting market order.

At almost the same time, North America also announced an indefinite review of Huanghe Communications' products, citing "potential security risks," and suspended import licenses during this period.

Hong Kong, Yellow River Communications Headquarters.

He Yaozu put down the documents sent by the legal department and rubbed his temples.

He answered the phone in Beijing.

"Dad, the situation is worse than we thought. This time they're determined to keep us out of the mainstream market."

On the other end of the phone, He Yuzhu's voice was calm: "As expected, how should the legal team respond?"

“We are already preparing our response materials, but anti-dumping cases are very time-consuming and the process is very unfavorable to us. The security reviews in North America are purely political manipulation, with no clear standards or time limits.”

"Shift the lab's research focus to digital signal mobile phones and base stations. You should have a good talk with your aunt and add more staff if necessary."

"Okay, but my mom used to do this."

"From now on, everything in Hong Kong will be handed over to you. What, can't you speak up for your elders?"

"No, I'll go later."

"That's pretty much it."

Xiao Man, sitting next to He Yuzhu, said, "I just handed it over like that? You didn't even tell me beforehand?"

"What do you mean by 'pay'? You'll still have to help your son fill in the gaps in his knowledge, but from now on you'll be standing behind him."

“Fine, I’ve been standing behind you for most of my life, and now I have to stand guard for my son.”

"You've worked so hard. In a few years, when our son is all grown up, you can rest, and I can rest too."

"By the way, what are you thinking, second son? The eldest is already too busy, and you're letting him get involved with that director thing?"

"I'll talk to him about this. It's definitely not enough for him to just be a director. He also needs to take on some of the company's business. The two boys should have talked about it in private. I'll only know if I ask him."

"family property?"

"What are you thinking? Each of them has enough to keep them busy with their own business. What's there to fight over? In our family, there's no such thing as seniority. Whoever is capable gets the job."

"That's true."

So He Yuzhu took advantage of He Yaozong's holiday to have a long talk with him.

As night deepened outside the window, the light in the study remained on.

“Dad, I’ve made up my mind.” He Yaozong sat up straight. “I can take over the telecommunications company. But I won’t give up the director and screenwriter roles.”

He Yuzhu looked at him: "Have you thought it through?"

“I’ve thought it through. My older brother is under too much pressure, and I should share the burden. As for the Yellow River culture, I think my fourth aunt and sister-in-law Huizhen can manage it very well. My fourth aunt has extensive experience in the film and television industry, and sister-in-law Huizhen has worked as a reporter and has good judgment when it comes to content.”

"What are your specific plans?"

"I'll learn the telecommunications business from scratch. I've already contacted Uncle Da Mao, and I'll report to the sales department next week to learn over the summer. As for filming, I hope you won't interfere. I enjoy filming, and I'll try to keep it to one film a year so as not to interfere with my main work."

He Yuzhu nodded: "Since you've thought it through, then go for it. I'm not a rigid person. If you don't do a good job, you can switch. If all else fails, you can go back to running a cultural company."

"Thanks dad!"

Regarding He Yaozong's matter, He Yuzhu still called Xu Damao, fearing that his old friend might overthink things, since Xu Damao was the one who set up this whole operation in China.

"Brother, I'm not that petty. Don't worry, I'll take good care of Yaozong."

Where is your Hongyu now?

"He works under Xiao'e."

"Where is Hong Zhou?"

"Brother, don't worry. Hongzhou likes cars and is working with Yang Tao now. Ningxue seems to be forming some kind of car team, and that kid is very enthusiastic."

"Oh, a rally race? It's really happening? I thought Ningxue was just joking."

"I bet she's keeping it from you. I heard from Hongzhou that Ningxue is using her own New Year's money to do this."

"Never mind them, we'll see if it really works."

"I think so too."

“Even if you bring the communications equipment with you, you can’t just abandon it. In the future, mobile phones, program-controlled exchanges, and computer network equipment will definitely be separated. Yaozong will only take over one of them, but you still have to manage the others.”

"I know."

"Network equipment is about to accelerate; I feel the next big trend is coming."

"Okay, I'll keep a close eye on it."

After He Yaozong went south, He Yuzhu asked Xiaoman, "Have you talked to Chu Hong and Huizhen?"

Xiaoman nodded: "We've talked about it. There's no problem with Chu Hong. She agreed to go back to Hong Kong first, finish up her work at TVB, and then go to the cultural company. The child will stay in Beijing for now, with our mother looking after him, so she's at ease. As for Huizhen, the child is still too young and can't be separated from his mother. She said she'll go and take over after the child is older and weaned."

“Yes, this arrangement is good. Actually, it’s fine to have the cultural company’s headquarters located in China,” He Yuzhu said.

"Let's stay over there. The two places are quite different now. I think Chu Hong still wants to continue filming."

"Does Gong Xue have any thoughts?"

"She thinks her current job is pretty good. We'll see when she doesn't want to do it anymore."

“Okay, our house is practically a kindergarten already. If you don’t like it, just hire a few more nannies.”

"Let me see. It's hard to find. Bai Ge has mentioned it several times, but our mother won't let us send her to daycare."

"The old lady is worried, but we can't let her get too tired."

"No, she's just happy to have her grandchildren and great-grandchildren around."

"Okay, then keep an eye on things. I'm going out of town in a while."

"Going outside again?"

"Yes, this time it won't take too long, it's just to wrap up what happened last time."

"it is good."

He Yuzhu was also forced to work. The commotion in the Gulf was too great, and the military was under a lot of pressure. Lao Fang came to urge him to come again.

Their argument makes sense. The whole world's attention is on that side right now, while the north is preoccupied with its own problems. This is the best opportunity. Once both sides are free to act, it will be difficult to move anything.

He Yuzhu couldn't say that he had already transported it back, so he had to go out and make the trip.

(End of this chapter)