Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 409 Water and Fire Are Ruthless
"Alright, old man, stop sighing. I have something else for you." With that, He Yuzhu walked to the corner of the study, opened a box, and took out a thick file folder.

Old Fang's eyelids twitched when he saw the file bag. When He Yuzhu handed it to him, Old Fang's hands trembled slightly as he took it. He carefully opened the seal, flipped through a few pages, and his breathing became rapid.

He shoved the document back into the file bag, closed the seal, and hugged it tightly to his chest, as if afraid it would fly away.

"Where are the things listed here?" Old Fang's voice was tense, his eyes fixed intently on He Yuzhu.

“Take the list back first. Once they’ve arranged things over there, the stuff should arrive around the same time. This stuff is even more important than that ship,” He Yuzhu said calmly.

"I understand, I understand!" Old Fang nodded repeatedly, excitedly pacing around the study twice. "With this, it won't be long before we can build our own big ships."

"You...you really..." He couldn't find the right words for a moment, and in the end he just patted He Yuzhu's shoulder hard, everything was understood without saying a word.

"Alright, Uncle Fang, judging from your appearance, you must be in a hurry to leave. Go ahead and go."

"Okay, okay, I'll go right now! No, I can't just leave like this, I need to make a phone call first." Old Fang realized halfway through his sentence that it was too unsafe for an old man like him to carry such an important item.

He Yuzhu gestured for him to enter, then turned and left the study.

Old Fang dialed an internal line and reported for nearly ten minutes before coming out.

Half an hour later, a car horn sounded outside the He family's house. Old Fang didn't linger any longer. He carefully tucked the list into his pocket, pulled his coat tighter, and left the He family's house with brisk steps. His back seemed to be filled with boundless energy.

Actually, there was something Lao Fang didn't ask, which was that the big leader had pointed him out. With such a great achievement, was the leader worried about something, which was why only a list was given? Shouldn't he be given something more concrete to put the leader's mind at ease?

Lao Fang felt that He Yuzhu wasn't that kind of person, so he didn't ask. Of course, the big boss was right, and that was what he wanted to fight for He Yuzhu.

If He Yuzhu knew the content of the conversation, he would only say: "You can say whatever you want. I just wanted you to look around and see if there are any people who shouldn't be in the group."

In the summer of 1991, torrential rains struck East China, causing rivers to swell and ultimately resulting in a devastating flood, the worst in decades.

News reports began showing images of the disaster-stricken areas, a vast expanse of water, a truly shocking sight.

He Yuzhu was watching the news on TV in his study, his brow furrowed. He picked up the phone and dialed the Huacheng Rescue Team base directly.

"Yu Yuntao!"

“Here! Mr. He!” Yu Yuntao’s voice tightened instantly on the other end of the phone.

"Did you see the news?"

"I see! The team has assembled and is ready to depart at any time!" Yu Yuntao said urgently. "Equipment and supplies have been loaded onto the vehicles, and we are just waiting for your orders!"

"The order is: depart immediately! Get to the disaster area as quickly as possible, follow the unified command of the local defense chief, and cooperate with the troops!" He Yuzhu said calmly. "Remember your mission: save lives! Do everything you can to save lives! If you encounter any difficulties, contact me directly."

"Yes! Promise to complete the mission!"

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu contacted Xiaoman again. "Activate the emergency charity plan, open all reserve warehouses, and allocate supplies according to the disaster area's needs list, mainly clean drinking water, food, medicine, tents, and clothing."

"Understood. The warehouse managers are ready, and the transport fleet has been arranged." Xiaoman answered crisply and efficiently; they had rehearsed this process many times.

Almost at the same time, in Hong Kong.

He Yaozu was in his office, with the latest disaster reports piled up in front of him.

He took a deep breath and connected to his secretary's internal line: "On behalf of the Yellow River Group, we will donate 50 million yuan to the Red Cross Societies in mainland China for emergency disaster relief and post-disaster reconstruction. The news can be released."

"Yes, Mr. He."

Meanwhile, artists under the Yellow River Culture banner, as well as those in Hong Kong with close ties to the Yellow River, also took action.

Led by Cherie Chung, a group of celebrities quickly organized a large-scale charity performance to raise funds across Hong Kong through television and radio.

The disaster area is ravaged by floods.

Led by Yu Yuntao, the Yellow River Rescue Team, with its excellent equipment and professional skills, has become a prominent force in the disaster area.

They navigated inflatable boats through the murky floodwaters, rescuing people trapped on rooftops and in treetops.

In a village that was almost completely submerged, the rescue team met up with an engineering unit that had been ordered to come to the scene.

The team leader was a man surnamed Zhang. He looked at the rescue team's professional water rescue equipment, efficient water communication system, and the team members' skillful operation, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

"Which unit are you from?" Commander Zhang looked at the credentials Yu Yuntao handed him. "The Yellow River Rescue Team?"

"Yes, sir. We are a civilian rescue force, ordered to come and assist." Yu Yuntao saluted, his posture unchanged even though he had retired.

"You've arrived just in time!" Commander Zhang shook his hand tightly. "The water in the villages ahead is too deep, and we don't have enough assault boats. In some places, the current is too strong to pass through."

“We have four inflatable boats that can work together. We also have underwater detection equipment that can help locate possible survivors in the flooded houses,” Yu Yuntao said immediately.

"Great! This is exactly what we need!" Commander Zhang exclaimed with delight. "I'll send people to assist you and coordinate a unified command so we can thoroughly inspect this area together!"

A mixed formation of military green assault boats and bright orange assault boats bearing the distinctive markings of the Yellow River Rescue Team sailed into deeper waters.

The soldiers, full of energy, were responsible for breaching and forcing their way in, while the rescue team used sonar equipment to probe the underwater situation and used specialized stretchers to transfer the elderly and wounded who had difficulty moving.

During a rescue operation, an elderly man was trapped on the second floor of a dilapidated house that was teetering on the brink of collapse in the floodwaters.

The current was swift, making it difficult for the assault boat to approach steadily.

"Secure the rope!" Yu Yuntao shouted.

A rescue team member struggled to throw a rope with a grappling hook onto the balcony railing. After securing it, Yu Yuntao and a soldier climbed over the rope and, risking the collapse of the building, carried the elderly man out and rappelled him onto the inflatable boat.

Shortly after they left, the house collapsed in the flood.

Looking around from the command ship, Regiment Commander Zhang sighed to his staff officer, "These civilian teams are just as professional as some of our specialized units, and their equipment is top-notch."

Behind them, the Yellow River Charity's supply convoy worked day and night, laboriously transporting truckloads of supplies to various temporary resettlement sites along roads partially destroyed by the floods.

Bottled water, compressed biscuits, instant noodles, tents, blankets, disinfectant, and common medicines were quickly distributed to the disaster victims.

At the charity performance in Hong Kong, stars shone brightly, and the donation hotline rang incessantly.

The huge sum of money donated by He Yaozu on behalf of the Yellow River Group, along with the love and support from Hong Kong compatriots, has been channeled through various channels to form a powerful force to support the disaster area.

He Yuzhu sat in the courtyard, listening to radio reports about disaster relief, which mentioned the role of "civilian rescue forces" and "corporate charitable assistance".

Xiaoman brought him a cup of hot tea: "Yu Yuntao from the rescue team is giving regular updates. Everyone is fine, just exhausted. The distribution of supplies is also going smoothly, without any major problems."

He Yuzhu nodded, gazing out the window at the gradually subsiding rain.

"Tell Yu Yuntao that even though the floodwaters have receded, their mission is not over. They still need to help with post-disaster epidemic prevention and clean up the ruins."

"I know, I've already given the order."

As He Yuzhu had predicted, the data was screened layer by layer until after the flood, when Lao Fang finally told He Yuzhu that the team was assembled and the data could be provided.

Along with the gifts came rewards: land in the Special Economic Zone, Beijing, Shanghai, and other areas; and several companies, including the Microelectronics Research Institute, Yellow River Precision Machinery, and Yellow River Heavy Industry, were designated as priority partners for military industry cooperation. Looking at his calm reaction, Lao Fang couldn't help but add, "Zhu Zi, they're taking this very seriously. Besides land and preferential policies, they've specifically emphasized ensuring the safety and stable development environment for core units like yours."

He paused and then said, "Those messy censorships and anonymous letters that used to plague you shouldn't be coming to you so easily anymore. Consider it a statement."

"Understood." He Yuzhu remained calm. "I've already received the documents and can hand them over at any time. Same as always, arrange for someone absolutely reliable to pick them up."

"Okay, no, I still have something to say."

"You say."

"Zhu Zi, take a look at this." Old Fang took something out of the file bag he brought and handed it to He Yuzhu.

He Yuzhu took it and looked it over, then looked up at Lao Fang, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "A mobile communication license?"

"Yes, it's not a simple paging station license, it's a real cellular mobile phone network operation license. Only a few will be issued in the first batch, covering nationwide operations. The ministry and higher authorities have held special meetings to discuss this, and they feel that Yellow River Communications has the technology, equipment, and financial strength to entrust this task to you. Of course, this is also an affirmation of your continuous contributions."

He Yuzhu really wanted to ask, "Isn't this thing supposed to be available in a few years? How come it's out now?"

He knew all too well what these few thin sheets of paper meant in the coming era—not just another way to make money, but a passport to the core of the country's basic communications infrastructure construction, whose symbolic significance and strategic value far exceeded those land plots and policy incentives.

"Shouldn't this be given to the postal and telecommunications system?" He Yuzhu asked.

"I know what you want to ask, they are too slow and lack funds."

"This doesn't seem right. I admit it's slow, but the funding comes from government loans."

"It seems you've really considered this business. How about this being considered a surprise?"

"Aren't the higher-ups afraid we'll outcompete the postal and telecommunications sector?"

"Don't they still have basic telephone and mail/parcel return services?"

He Yuzhu gently pushed the document back in front of the old man.

“Uncle Fang, I appreciate your kind intentions. However, it is indeed inappropriate for a single private enterprise like ours to lead the construction and operation of a nationwide mobile communication network at this stage. You just mentioned the considerations behind this.”

Old Fang frowned: "Are you worried about the postal and telecommunications system?"

“More than that,” He Yuzhu interrupted him. “The fact that a tall tree catches the wind is one aspect. More importantly, the communication network is the nerve center of the country, concerning the lifeline of information security. If we are entrusted with everything at this stage, and if the policy direction changes in the future, or if the international situation becomes tense, we and the company will be in a very passive position. We cannot take this risk.”

He paused, then continued, "I prefer another cooperation model. We can participate in the network upgrade of the postal and telecommunications system and the construction of future cellular networks as equipment suppliers and technology partners. They will take the lead in operation, and we will provide core equipment and technical support. This way, we can leverage our strengths while mitigating policy risks."

Old Fang pondered, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of his teacup. "What you said makes sense. There are indeed conservatives in the ministry who have raised similar concerns. So what exactly do you want?"

"A mobile phone production license is essential. In the future, when technical standards and policy environment are mature, if the country allows private capital to enter the telecommunications operation field, I hope Huanghe can obtain the qualification to participate in the competition. But not the current nationwide exclusive or oligopolistic license, that would be too conspicuous."

Old Fang stared at He Yuzhu for a long time, then suddenly laughed: "You look bold, but you're actually more cautious than anyone else. You proceed step by step, never greedy for short-term gains. Alright, I'll take your words back to you verbatim. I reckon the higher-ups will have to hold a meeting to discuss it."

“That’s to be expected.” He Yuzhu nodded. “Also, regarding that batch of new documents, when will the person responsible for the handover be in place?”

"Within the next few days. Same as always, absolutely reliable."

"it is good."

When Lao Fang left, he took the mobile license plate document with him. After seeing Lao Fang off, Xiao Man came in and asked, "Uncle Fang, why did you come and go in such a hurry? Why didn't you stay for dinner?"

He Yuzhu said, "Why would he be in the mood to stay for dinner? Let's talk about it next time."

"I saw him take something with him when he left. What was it?" He Yuzhu briefly explained the matter of the mobile license plate.

Upon hearing this, Xiaoman's first thought was that it was a pity to refuse. Then, thinking about the differences between the mainland and Hong Kong, she said, "You did the right thing. Taking on this task might not be a blessing. It's better to proceed cautiously and steadily."

“Yes.” He Yuzhu held her hand. “The telecommunications network market is too big for one family to handle. If we try to swallow it all at once, we’ll choke. Only by working with the national team can we make it last.”

The next day, Lao Fang called and told He Yuzhu to prepare the documents so someone could come and pick him up.

He Yuzhu said that his home was not suitable, so he arranged a warehouse. Two jeeps and two trucks came to pick up the documents. The documents were loaded onto one truck, but the tarpaulin on the other truck was not even lifted. He Yuzhu knew that there were heavily armed soldiers inside.

The handover was quick. They even gave him a handover letter, which indicated that they had received it. He Yuzhu glanced at it and saw that it provided a general overview of everything, including the ship, the plane, and the documents—it served as a kind of proof document.

After everyone left, he casually put the items into his spatial storage.

A few days later, Lao Fang visited again, this time accompanied by a middle-aged man with glasses and a calm demeanor.

"Zhu Zi, this is Deputy Director Liu from the Technology Department of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, who is in charge of communications development planning," Lao Fang introduced.

Deputy Director Liu took the initiative to shake hands with He Yuzhu: "Mr. He, it's an honor to meet you. Mr. Fang has already conveyed your thoughts in detail. After review, the ministry agrees to your suggestion in principle. There are no issues with the mobile phone production license. Regarding the cooperation model for participating in network construction, we hope to hear more specific technical solutions."

He Yuzhu invited the two into his study.

"Director Liu, this is our preliminary draft of the network architecture concept and equipment performance indicators for the Digital Cellular Mobile Communication System (GSM)." He Yuzhu took a thick document out of the bookcase.

Deputy Director Liu took the document and carefully read through it, occasionally raising questions, which He Yuzhu answered one by one.

The conversation lasted for nearly two hours.

Deputy Director Liu closed the document, his eyes filled with admiration: "Mr. He's vision is very advanced. We are indeed discussing the feasibility of transitioning from analog to digital signals internally. Yellow River Communications' experience in program-controlled switching and base station technology is even more profound than we expected. I will bring the specific details of the cooperation back to the ministry and organize experts to further discuss them."

"I look forward to your news." He Yuzhu stood up to see him off.

Just before leaving, Deputy Director Liu stopped and asked, seemingly casually, "Mr. He, I heard that you have some investments and collaborations in the telecommunications field overseas, especially in North America?"

He Yuzhu remained calm and said frankly, "Yes. It's mainly to obtain the latest technological developments and market information. After all, it's good to know yourself and your enemy."

Deputy Director Liu nodded, said nothing more, and left with Lao Fang.

In early November, a preliminary framework for cooperation on postal and telecommunications services was established.

Huanghe Communications will participate in the construction of the first batch of GSM experimental networks as one of the core equipment suppliers, and has also obtained formal approval for mobile phone production.

The news was not made public, but it still caused quite a stir within the relevant departments. Most people just felt that Yellow River Communications was lucky to have caught the fast train of the country's construction of a high-speed communication network.

Only a very few insiders understand the trade-offs and foresight behind this seemingly smooth path.

Using a converted warehouse and existing equipment, the newly built leather factory of the Tianjin branch quickly went into production. The first batch of leather garments made with imported leather from the north quickly gained market share due to their novel designs and excellent quality.

Zhou Lei and Wu Yang are full of energy and have already started planning next year's export orders.

He Yuzhu started sending tasks to Jinggong, all related to the F-15 and Apache, of course, with modified technical directions.

This information has been carefully processed, including materials processing, structural design, and the working principles of some subsystems.

At the same time, several major domestic aircraft manufacturers also received new tasks, and the pressure increased sharply. On the one hand, they had to organize a capable team to digest and absorb the technical data of the SU-33 and SU-35 and try to replicate them; on the other hand, the development project of domestically produced fighter jets did not slow down. The top leadership was well aware that the truly reliable technology was ultimately the technology that they had in their own hands.

At this point in time, the main thing is to avoid disturbing each other and just do our own thing.

(End of this chapter)